Hey it's the Hamburgler!!!

Daddy and Gracie taking a nap!!!

Hiya Blogland!!!  It's the start of another fabulous week!! First up I want to share some of the goodies I found thrifting over the weekend. Things are starting to look up as far as thrift store stock!

This is actually a sweater knit. I thought it would be great with jeans and it was only $4!!! Funny story, my friend Andrea was thrifting this weekend also--we missed each other by an hour or two at the Goodwill!! She picked this sweater up but as it was too big she put it back. I realized I could alter it to fit me so I snapped it up!!

Charcoal plaid skirt with a bit of teal in it for $3. I just had to take it in a little bit at the waist.

 White cotton ribknit turtleneck by LizCaliborne for $2.75.  I'm still hunting for a black one like this.

Jessica London trapeze pearl grey thin knit sweater for $2.75. This is very similar to the striped T I wore a couple of weeks ago. I like that it's a traditional fabric/color in a unique style.



I've been on the hunt for a tartan blouse that isn't flannel. I spied this plaid knit tunic and decided why not try it on?? It's White Stag-probably late 80's and fits like a dream. Another great top for jeans.  AND it was $2.75!!!

Charcoal Grey and White button-down. I've been skipping the button-downs as they are more difficult to alter--but this fit well and was only $1.50!!

 

I've been buying black, white or grey bottoms--yeah I know Ms. Skittles buying neutrals-but I still have my rainbow of cardigans and tops so don't worry!!

 

 



I'm wearing the striped cardigan I recently thrifted. It's not a sweater but a ribbed cotton knit. I decided to take it in a bit more and shorten it. I'm wearing a thrifted red shell and a thrifted black with white mini-dots gored skirt. The bangles are thrifted and the pin & earrings are vintage. A co-worker said I looked like the Hamburgler!!!

 

This weeks Spygirl 52 Pick-Me-Up challenge is Yikes Stripes!!!! This outfit is perfect for the challenge!!

 

Sorry for the picture quality--I'm trying out different settings on my phone!!! One day I'll figure the stupid thing out!!

 

Everyone have a wonderful week and I'll be back around on Thursday!!

 

TTFN

Tamera

 

 

 





The Yellow Skirt in the Barnyard

Hiya Blogland!!!  Guess what's arrived in Western Maryland this week???

The Traveling Yellow Skirt Freak Show!!!!

 

I was so excited to receive it!! I believe it's the first visit to the East Coast of the United States. It was last seen cavorting on the glorious beaches of Cuba with Ariane of Style Suds-Est.

 

We have nothing as fabulous as glistening beaches, palm trees, and turquoise waters around here. Instead of an exotic vacation locale the skirt shall be cavorting on my in-laws farm nestled at the base of the Catoctin Mountains in Western Maryland. FYI--the farm is located near Camp David.

 

My husband Lauren came along as my photographer much to his bemusement. I had to explain to the tenant of the farmhouse a bit of what we were doing so he wouldn't think I was too crazy!

 

I wore the skirt with my Diva tshirt, the new lace up booties I recently thrifted, striped dollar store socks, lots of blingy bracelets, the earrings Ariane sent and a pink tiara.

 

 The beach is concrete, the water is brown and "fragrant", the scenery fabulous, and those mounds are lovely organic manure.  A tiara is always appropriate when viewing a manure pit.

 





 

Tractors are found all about the farm. This Vintage FarmAll tractor is flanked by a roll bale of hay in the loafing yard. The cattle winter here.

 

The herd-Black Angus cattle-were in the far field. This cow was inside the former milking stables in the lower barn being treated for pink eye. Her glistening black coat makes a lovely backdrop for the skirt.

 

Halo'd in sunlight streaming into the calf stalls. This is where they keep the calves when they must be bottle fed.





The foundation of the barn is stone from the fields. The barn is well over 100 years old.

 

 

The newest piece of farm equipment. This is a roll baler-it makes the round bales of hay you see in the fields.

On the lane out towards the fields.  I found the yellow poncho this past week and it matches the skirt PERFECTLY!! Same color and material-it shall be traveling with the skirt now!

The yellow skirt next to one of the "bounties" of the farm--a lovely petrified cow patty!

 

I appliqued a picture of The Diva on the skirt.

 

 

Miss Gracie the Diva-ette in the skirt. She wasn't too crazy about it!!



 

I had planned to style The Diva in the skirt as she WAS an International Style Icon and would've totally rocked it like no one else could!! Since she's no longer with us, I photoshopped her in the skirt. 

I had such a blast doing this!!! I wonder where the skirt is off to next???

Linking up with the gorgeous Patti for Visible Monday--because I certainly am visible in such a skirt such as this!!

I'm also linking up with Ariane of Style Sud-Est who recently sported the TYS on the beaches of Cuba!! She's hosting a Show Your Style Blog hop!!!

Have a fabulous weekend and I'll be back on Tuesday!

TTFN
Tamera



Once, Twice, Three Times an Outfit

Hiya Blogland!! The weather is GLORIOUS here!! 70's, low humidity, brilliant blue skies!!  My kind of summer!!

This week Spygirl's 52 Pick-me-up challenge was wear an item 3 times and see if anyone notices. I may have taken the "easy" way by choosing a black Tshirt. It's from Lane Bryant and I thrifted it last year. I "ruched" the sides to help make it fit better. I soon will have to alter it some more!!

Monday I paired it with my DIY Matrushka skirt and Amerimark sandals. I wore a bunch of bracelets-including the cool pink skull one Krista made for me.  I took the elastic in on the waist of the DIY skirts I made but I'm going to have to do a major altering job as there is too much fabric bunched up at the waist now. Or else I'll just deconstruct them and use the fabric for something else. Just ignore the doggie butt!!

Wednesday I paired the tshirt with a pair of old (had them at least 15 years) Lee jeans of mine that I CAN GET INTO AGAIN!!! It was a bit cool so I wore a thrifted cardigan and some thrifted bracelets and necklace. The sandal are new. I had to go bra shopping this weekend (UGH) at Kohl's and found these Croft&Barrow sandals on the clearance rack. I've been looking forever for wedge black sandals that are comfortable-which these are totally. They were marked down from$ 69.99 to $12.99!!!! I stopped at the Goodwill on the way home from work and a young girl commented on how cool she thought wearing a brooch on your pant cuff was. I scored something AMAZING that I'll share a bit later this week. Just think "Stevie Nicks Vibe"!!!

Today I wore the tshirt with my black swirly maxiskirt and the abstract art Chico's jacket I thrifted last spring. I'm glad it's cool enough to wear it again--I love the "jeans jacket" styling, the lightweight fabric and the awesome collagy print.  I decided at the last minute to wear my pink LizClaiborne loafers (thrifted spring 2012 UNWORN for $$!!). Added some bangles (including the Krista skull one) and a thrifted pink belt.

It was tough wearing the same thing-I actually had to wash the top Tuesday (menopause and pig-sweating).

It looks like it's gonna be a busy weekend ~~~ I'm taking the boys to visit a CAVE on the towpath tomorrow. I need to spend some quality time tonite or tomorrow nite with Manic Panic Pink as Saturday I have a photoshoot involving cows and something yellow!!

Everyone have a fantastic weekend and I'll be back on Sunday with the fruits of the photoshoot!!

TTFN
Tamera

Inspired by Sheila

Isn't this the retro room of fabulosity?? LOVE it!!

Hiya Blogland!!! It's the beginning of another fabulous week!! I can't believe August is almost half-over!! I'm anxious for Fall--my favorite time of year!!

MrBill and Miss Gracie slept like LOGS Sunday nite after their busy day with the boys!!  It's not often we can wear Gracie out like that!!

Patti at Not Dead Yet Style blogged today about breaking up with Lady magazines. It's a great article so please click on the link and check it out.

I broke up years ago. Today  I read food mags such as Vegetarian Times and Clean Eats and Taste of Home. I also will pick up Women's World, Always or First. But fashion mags?? No way--because they don't represent ME. I can't afford 99% of what they show--even if I had any interest in wearing it in the first place.  Occasionally Always, First or Women's World will have a fashion feature--which honestly is more realistic as the clothing mostly comes from affordable stores like Penneys or Walmart or Target. Plus I must admit they choose things that are wearable in real life and on real bodies. The stuff in Vogue or Harpers or InStyle?? Not in this, or for that matter any, lifetime for me.

I find more inspiration and style in blogs-particularly the blogs of we "over 40's" and beyond. Maybe it's because we've all reached an age where wearing the latest and greatest trendy item just doesn't appeal to us anymore. We are far more secure and confident in who we are so we wear what we please!

I would totally LOVE to show up at work in an outfit like Desiree of Pull Up Your Socks rocks on a regular basis--if only to see my co-workers heads EXPLODE. (and they think I'm out there in my fashion choices as it is-LOL) Or sashay into work in a fabulous vintage maxi ala Vix. But...sigh...I must only dress like that in my fantasy life as I do have some restrictions on attire. I can dream.....

Even if I can't rock squalid glamour or vintage maxi's or Helga's  square dance dress I still glean ideas that I can incorporate into my "style".  Color combos, interesting print mixing, bastard jewelry-it all inspires me.

Today's outfit was inspired by my personal Queen of the Most Coolest Shoe Wardrobe on Earth- Sheila of Ephemera. She's the master of interesting color combos--and her outfits are business appropriate yet quirky and unique. She wore the outfit below last Friday and I knew I needed to "copy" it!!

 

Here's her "stuff":

I immediately thought of my floofy taupe JJill skirt and my teal blue ruffle front tank to replicate this outfit. Unfortunately no cool flies on my top or spiffy skull earrings but I did have an octopus necklace!!

Here's my take. The skirt and cardigan are thrifted. I wore the cardigan to  keep warm and pull in more black as I couldn't wear a belt or cumberbund/obi with this top. I added my black wedge sandals/retail, octopus necklace/DIY, Brass bangle/gift from Sheila! and my brass leaf earrings/DIY.

I had so much fun with this I think I'm going to try to do a blogger inspiration outfit weekly. I enjoy challenges as it makes me rethink my stuff and combine things in new ways. So next week who will be my inspiration?? Check in next Tuesday to see!!!

I'll be back on Thursday with my SpyGirl's 52 Pick-Me-Up Challenge post. This one was a bit tough--the challenge is to wear one item 3 times this week. I work Monday to Thursday this week so essentially I'm wearing the same thing all work week except
today!!

I'm off to meet up with a bunch of ladies for dinner at Cracker Barrel. Gotta get my tiara on straight!

TTFN
Tamera

 

 

 

My Three Muskateers

Hiya Blogland!!! This has been a pretty busy weekend dodging the raindrops. Got a couple of nice long walk in with Gracie.

Friday it was rainy all day so I decided to go to town and hit the thrifts. I haven't been to the mission ones in several weeks. I also headed up to Pennsylvania (I'm really close) to check out a health food store and discovered a NEW Goodwill!!

The racks are still a bit thin but I managed to find some more goodies.  I'm always on the hunt for vintage trims and doodads and craft stuff. The Salvation Army did not disappoint!

Some vintage cupcake toppers(FLAMINGOS!) Vintage ribbons & trim and a Martha Stewart paper punch all for $3!

Again I'm noticing I'm being drawn to black and black/white prints. Which do play well with all the rainbow brite colors (tops & cardi's ) I have. I had a B&W glen plaid skirt, a B&W tweek skirt and a shorter black gored skirt on my "need" list.

I found the glen plaid & black gored skirts for $2 each. I need to do a bit of easy altering on them before wearing. These will look cute with tights and the new booties!

I also found the striped cardigan for $3 and the salt & pepper tweed skirt with the original tags for $4!!

I also had a teal pullover sweater on my list and found one with the tag on it for $3.

Sunday I spent the afternoon with three very handsome young fellows. They are the sons of dear friends and I am their "Mimi"- honorary grandmother.  I've known these boys since they were infants. Due to some things in the family, they don't have involved grandparents.  Recently Lauren and I have been feeling that we should step into that role for them. They are just the sweetest guys but I've forgotten how active little boys are!!! LOLOLOL

I planned on taking more pictures but we were so busy!!! It was their first time to come to my house and meet the fur-kids. The cats hid (way too much excitement). They had brought gifts for each of the animals. MrBill was a bit shy and nervous but Gracie LOVED all the toys. She had a ball playing with the boys. MrBill preferred to sit and be petted.

We went to the playground at the town park and walked Gracie about town. Then we went down to Antietam Creek in the Battlefield Park. I managed to get everyone still for a moment to get a picture!

Left to right: Zeekie (5 yrs old ) Ezra (6 yrs old) Judah (8 yrs old) and Gracie!!

 

We found an place along the creek  with a bit of a beach so off went the shoes and we waded in the water. Crazy Gracie decided to go SWIMMING!!  She loved it!!

  

When we got back home they helped me pick tomatoes. Quite a few were split from all the rain we had this week and useless. I let the boys throw them at the pine trees in the back yard so they would explode. I'm a cool Mimi like that!!

 

I looked on the camera (took the above with the phone) and realized I forgot to take an outfit post today. You didn't miss anything--I sported a tshirt, denim capris and sneakers!!! I wore a maxi I've worn many times before when I ran my errands on Friday.

  

I'm linking up with crew at Visible Monday. Come check out the best style and fashion around!! 

 

The boys have headed home and MrBill and Gracie are sacked out snoozing! I'm off to relax in the recliner! Have a fabulous Monday!!!

 

TTFN

Tamera

 

 

 

Some thrift rain in the drought.

We are all Kick-Ass Wonder Women!!!

Hiya Blogland!!  This will be a quick post today. I wanted to show some goodies I managed to thrift this week in what has been the thrift desert. Plus I have my outfit for Gracey's Literary Styling Challenge.

It really has been a famine in the thrifts--I mean like NOTHING--even the racks are getting a bit empty. I hit up the 1/2 price Goodwill outlet this week and FINALLY found something useful. I'm getting really selective in what I'm buying--trying to not bring home awesome wardrobe orphan's and thinking ahead to altering the stuff smaller.

I've been on the hunt for a charcoal grey and a red cardigan-simple v-neck or crew neck, flat light knit. As I was perusing the sweater rack I spied this FABULOUS grass-green Chico's lacy knit cardigan. Not what I was looking for but definitely workable in my wardrobe. Fit well and for $2-going home with me!! I found the top for $2, too. It's a nice ponte knit and I love the sleeves.

I've also been on the hunt for some more long sleeve T shirts for winter (I can alter these easily if when they get to big) Found this nice purple Talbots Tshirt with the $32 price tag still on it for $2!!  The aqua Lane Bryant tshirt was only $1.50!
Funny--purple, and pink for that matter, weren't colors I chose a year ago and now I really like jewel tones. Must be the silver hair!

I still really NEED a pair of cowboy boots but so far haven't found any I like that fit. I did spy these beauties on the rack. Buttery-soft leather, made in Italy (no brand name I can discern), super comfortable and $3?? MINE!!!  The other booties are barely worn leather Nine West booties. I like their somewhat rocker edge. These were all of $5!!!I would've totally worn either of these with my outfit today if it had been cooler. I can see both of these as big players this fall/winter with tights and socks.

Gracey at Fashion For Giants hosts a Literary Stylings Challenge the first of each month. You basically dress inspired by a book you've read the past month. My book this month was a Kindle freebie that turned out to be pretty awesome. The book is called "Aloha Wanderwell: Call to Adventure"

Starting at the age of 16, Aloha Wanderwell Baker became the first woman to travel around the globe in an automobile. "Aloha Wanderwell: Call to Adventure" is a new book published by the Nile Baker Estate and Boyd Production Group that journals those adventures.

In her own words, Aloha Wanderwell Baker recounts the true story of a fantastic seven-year journey around the world that took place in the 1920s in a Model-T Ford while traveling with the Wanderwell Expedition.

In some ways, Aloha could be considered the "Amelia Earhart of the Automobile." While Amelia circled the globe in the air, Aloha faced her dangers, trials and tribulations down on the ground...and she did it first.

The book contains Aloha's 1939 memoir, "Call to Adventure," in addition to exclusive essays, photos and supplemental materials from the author's estate.

Readers will travel with Aloha to Europe, the Middle East, India, Japan, China, the Soviet Union, the United States, Cuba and Africa. They will experience, firsthand, the details of her love affair with Captain Walter Wanderwell, a self-proclaimed adventurer, whom she married in 1925 during the American leg of the expedition.

Aloha recaptures pieces of history that include traveling through Italy while Mussolini and the Fascisti were consolidating their power; braving food riots and hostile mobs in Germany; and driving into Palestine, where the Jews were attempting to build a new nation; and more.

During her travels, Aloha disguised herself as a man and prayed in Mecca; she became a confidante of Chinese bandits; and was granted the title of "Honorary Colonel" in the Red Army of Siberia. This is only the tip of the iceberg.

My outfit inspiration incorporated some leopard, vintage ivory beads, wood and fake ivory bangles, a thick utilitarian black belt, and a chambray work shirt. Trying for a kind of tribal/safari gear look.

Shirt is thrifted-and I need to find another in a smaller size!! The skirt is a DIY--it started life as a thrifted strapless dress. Belt is thrifted and the sandals are old!!

Here's a picture of dinner tonite. I strive to eat 1 lb raw veggies per day, 1 lb steamed/lightly cooked veggies per day, 1 cup minimum beans per day, 3-4 raw fruits per day and 1 ounce raw seeds or nuts per day. I can also have 1 serving of rice/pasta daily if I choose and 4 ounces meat/fish per week.

On the left is a bowl of sliced bananas, strawberries and kiwi with walnuts. On the left is some gluten free veggie pasta (which ain't bad) sprinkled with soy cheese and a ragu of mushrooms, onions, peppers, cherry tomatoes and spinach.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!! I'll be back on Sunday rather late in the evening!!

TTFN
Tamera