Neon, emerald, berry & gingham with a side of seahorse

Hiya Blogland!! Autumn has finally returned to Western Maryland. It's like 25 degrees COOLER today than it was yesterday morning!! YAY

I got recalled to work yesterday. Super. I'm not getting PAID (no budget for govt. yet) but I have to report. And basically do nothing as there is no one here on base. The DPW is considered essential to military operations now. So much for my plans to do stuff around the house!

Monday's outfit had a male co-worker say I looked like a colorful rainbow. I replied yeah--the colorful rainbow over crap island!! The outfit is thrifted except for the dollar store socks. The top is a very fine gauge knit--and was a size medium in JUNIORS--seriously--it's BIG on me-- a medium junior size gal would've been swimming in it. This is a great example of not being concerned with the size. I go thru all the racks and pick up stuff and decide if it might fit regardless of the label.  It's rather "trendy"--neon, striped and a sweatshirt type style. I just LIKED it. I'm not sure how well it worked with a pencil skirt but I know it will be cute with jeans. I stuck the socks on with the thrifted Ninewest booties as the ankles rubbed a bit. I liked the slouchy bit of color they provided. I slapped my "Keep Calm and Carry On" pendant as I went out the door as it was appropo for work!!

Tuesday's outfit was inspired by this outfit Sheila of Ephemera wore recently. I love the combo of emerald green, black and white!!

Everything is thrifted except for the boots-which I've had for years. The sweater is LaneBryant. I wear a lot of LaneBryant but their retail prices are INSANE. I recently had a gift card to burn there and had some serious sticker shock!! This sweater was probably $60 new and I paid $3. Funny story about the pants. I had bypassed them on the goodwill rack for about a month. They are a size I couldn't imagine wearing. Last week I decided why not try them on. To my astonishment they fit and fit really really well. They are a cotton/spandex denim. They had the original Sears tag on them for $26.99!!! LOLOLOL  I'm guessing by the tag (no bar code) and the tapered legs they are late 80's/early 90's vintage.  Not bad for $3!! They are right on trend with the narrow ankle pants that are popular--and great under boots!!  I decided that the perfect accessories would be my rhinestoned petrified seahorse pins and earrings.  Because everything is improved by petrified rhinestoned sea creatures!!

Wednesday's outfit is my Spygirl 52 Pick-me-up: Tone Poem inspiration. We were to mix a bright color with a darker shade of the color. I chose some bright pink tights(Merona/Target) with a thrifted darker raspberry cardigan.  I paired it with an aqua Lane Bryant tshirt and grey Avenue skirt (both thrifted).  My earrings and the ticket brooch are from sweet Desiree.

And the funny thing is this outfit was also inspired by an outfit of Sheila's:

This week is also Shoe Shine at Citizen Rosebud's.  I recently thrifted these Aerosole mary-janes for under $5!! I love the wing tip detailing and the lug-like soles. Plus they are SUPER comfy!!



We are expecting a lot of rain the next few days--which we desperately need. It's gotten rather raw and chilly (amazing considering it was 90+ on Sunday!!) so I'll need to put a sweater on Gracie. She was shivering in her dress this morning! I have tons of inside projects to do(CHRISTMAS!!) I'm hoping to get all the pictures I took of our friends fabulous home from this weekend edited and the post up on Friday.

TTFN

Tamera

Pink and Blue Violet-just because I can!

Hiya Blogland!! Has everyone had a fabulous weekend??? I will be so glad when this miserable heat leaves and it's properly Fall again!! I had to pull summer clothes out to wear the last few days!!

Yesterday we went to a picnic at a friends FABULOUS house. Their gardens have been featured in Better homes & Gardens. I'll be doing a post on it later this week! I wore my tribal maxi dress from Walmart. It's getting a bit big now!!

I hope you can see the new hair color. I added "Not so shy Violet" streaks--which came out more blue. I also added a pink streak. Next time I may mix the two for a more purple color.

Today I took Gracie to meet my mom and my sister. It was a long road-trip but she was a doll!! Everyone fell in love with her!! She sat on my mom's lap and gave her kisses.

I thrifted this skirt from Fashion Bug for $2 last week. The top is thrifted and the beads and bangles are vintage.

 

I'm linking up with Patti for Visible Monday!!  I'll be back later this week--no idea what kind of outfits as I'm furloughed right now!!

TTFN
Tamera

Heart of Glass

Hiya Blogland!!! How is everyone doing?? It's HOT & HUMID here--like mid-July instead of October-UGH!!!

This weekend is Sheila from Ephemera's birthday. She's having a 70's themed party. I decided to recreate an outfit I wore frequently in the late 70's. I had a pair of thrifted Levi button-front jeans back then I wore to DEATH!!!  This pair I've had probably 15+ years-they are getting that nice aged look.  Black wooden sole clogs and a band Tshirt  was part of my uniform. back then. I recently found a Blondie tshirt at LaneBryant that I fell in love with. I added some punky jewelry, my black Earth Spirit clogs and a pink tiara(why not wear a tiara?) and I'm ready to party!!!

 

Miss Gracie of course had to join in. She's wearing her candy corn dress--perfect for an October birthday!

 

Quick updates: Uncle Bill is home now--he is so much happier being in his own environment than in the hospital or the nursing home for the end.

My sister had her hysterectomy this week. She only had to stay overnight and is home recuperating now. She says she's a bit sore and tires easily.

Curtis is still hanging in there. He's been enjoying getting outside in the wheelchair.

I'm currently furloughed from work due to the government shutdown. I've been taking advantage of the time off to get some stuff done around the house.

I had to go into town today for an eye doctor appointment (cool new glasses next week!!) so I HAD to stop by the charity thrifts.  My total bill today came in under $20!!

I found something that was one of my Holy Grail items. I've wanted a leopard winter coat FOREVER!!  I almost peed my pants when I spied this one!! It's by WhiteStag- machine washable, has a hood, AND reverses to a black waterproof taffeta!! Everything on my wish list!! Oh--and it was $6!!!

 

 Here's the rest of the goodies I scored:

 

Lane Bryant polysilk tunic

CRDaniels leopard sweater with lurex-still had original $59 tags

 Avenue knit skirt

LandsEnd cotton cardigan

Vintage leather purse.

 





It was so hot today I had to pull a maxi and sandals out to wear.

Busy weekend ahead--plus I'll be doing my hair again--purple AND hot pink!! Everyone have a fabulous time and I'll be back on Sunday!!

TTFN
Tamera



Literary Textures

Hiya Blogland!! How is everyone this lovely Wednesday?? We are in the middle of a mini-heatwave. I'm looking forward to the cooler weather coming back.

Here in the US I'm sure y'all have heard about the government shutdown. This means I am off work indefinitely. I'm taking advantage of this time to do some stuff around the house. Yesterday I cleaned out some dead stuff from the gardens. Gracie and I have been taking advantage and going on some nice hikes.

I managed to do one outfit for two challenges I'm participating in this week.  The outfit below is a mix of textures for SpyGirl's 52 Pick-me-up:Textures. I'm wearing a crocheted top with a crinkly skirt, my multi-texture Skechers flats and a linen scarf.

Fashion for Giants:Literary Stylings has you style an outfit inspired by a book you've read the past month. My September book was "The Dressmaker of Khair Khana: Five Sisters, One Remarkable Family, and the Woman Who Risked Everything to Keep Them Safe"  I can HIGHLY recommend this book. it was fascinating, uplifting and I could hardly put it down.

The life Kamila Sidiqi had known changed overnight when the Taliban seized control of the city of Kabul. After receiving a teaching degree during the civil war—a rare achievement for any Afghan woman—Kamila was subsequently banned from school and confined to her home. When her father and brother were forced to flee the city, Kamila became the sole breadwinner for her five siblings. Armed only with grit and determination, she picked up a needle and thread and created a thriving business of her own.
The Dressmaker of Khair Khana tells the incredible true story of this unlikely entrepreneur who mobilized her community under the Taliban. Former ABC News reporter Gayle Tzemach Lemmon spent years on the ground reporting Kamila's story, and the result is an unusually intimate and unsanitized look at the daily lives of women in Afghanistan. These women are not victims; they are the glue that holds families together; they are the backbone and the heart of their nation. Afghanistan's future remains uncertain as debates over withdrawal timelines dominate the news.
The Dressmaker of Khair Khana moves beyond the headlines to transport you to an Afghanistan you have never seen before. This is a story of war, but it is also a story of sisterhood and resilience in the face of despair. Kamila Sidiqi's journey will inspire you, but it will also change the way you think about one of the most important political and humanitarian issues of our time.

The women of Afghanistan were educated and stylish before the Taliban came. They were forced into black burkha's from head to toe. I  decided to wear all black in reference to this huge change in their lives. My necklace is made from an Afghani charm.

 

I only had to go to work for four hours yesterday so I dressed casually. Everything but the shoes are thrifted. The tshirt is Liz Claiborne, the cardigan Laura Ashley, the jeans are Lee. The pendant is a gift from the groovetastic Vix.

 

 

 

Take a moment to check out how others did Textures and Literary Stylings!!

 

Have a fabulous rest of the week and I'll chat with ya'll later!!

 

TTFN

 

Tamera



Hat Attack #3: Curtis rocks a turkey hat!

Hiya Blogland!! I hope everyone is having a fabulous week so far!! The weather here in Western Maryland is just glorious!!

Tuesday is Judith of the Style Crone's Hat Attack #3. I decided I wanted to share something special.
Whe I was buying the supplies at the party store for Curtis's Thanksgiving in September I spied a turkey hat. I asked Curt if he'd wear it. Curt LOVES props and hats and being a bit silly so he of course gave a resounding "YES"!!! I went back to the store a procured one for him.

Here he is rocking the turkey hat with his wonderful smile!! 

 

I wanted to share a photo of Curt from Monday. He is house-bound these days and his only view is out the window by his bed of the house next door. Hospice got a wheelchair for him and two friends helped get it outside so he could spend a
bit of time in the fresh air. This picture just makes me smile seeing how happy he is.

 

I also wanted to share a picture of me in the fabulous SassyVamp Desiree gifted me. I wore it during the Thanksgiving celebration and it was quite the hit.

Although I don't believe I rocked it as well as Pastor Rodney did!! It brought out the blue in his eyes!!

I've started meeting with my dear daughter/friend Andrea on Monday's after work for craft time and chat. Her hubby works Monday evenings so this gives us both a needed outlet!! I also bring a craft project for the boys to do. We get lot's of "ideas" that scare our husbands a bit!!

Everyone have a fantastic day and check out all of the fantastic hats over at Hat Attack #3!! I should be back on Wednesday to play 52 Pick-me-up and Literary Stylings.

I may have some unexpected free time this week. FYI I'm a Federal Govt. employee. No budget resolution so we have to show up for work tomorrow for 4 hours and then we will be furloughed. SUPER!

TTFN
Tamera

The hits they keep on coming.....

Hiya Blogland!!!! How's it going?? I am SO GLAD this week is OVER!!

Thank you all so much for your sweet words of encouragement. It's really helped this past week!!!

Hallelujah,  the end of fiscal year insanity follies at work are over for another year. September is always a stressful month as the contracting office sits on projects we've designed and spec'd out for MONTHS and then tries to get them awarded at the last minute. Seriously, if you're a contractor bidding on a sidewalk repair job and I have to tell you the step by step directions on how to pour a sidewalk (technical details) than you probably shouldn't be bidding on the project. Just saying.......

Our friend Curtis is hanging in there. His body is weakening daily but his spirit and his smile are brighter than ever. He really is such an inspiration. Never complains or whines--he just encourages everyone else. People's lives are being changed watching Curtis and his wife travel this road.

I've felt a bit like an emotional punching bag this week. It seemed like every day more bad news.

My younger (by 14 months-LOL) sister had to be rushed to the ER earlier in the week hemorrhaging. She's been through menopause. It seems her body has decided to try to expel the benign uterine fibroid tumor she's had for many years. She will have to have a hysterectomy in the next few weeks. Unfortunately, because of the tumor size, she can't have the laparoscopy surgery but will have the major full incision type and be down and out for 6 weeks or so. Been there, done that and it sucks big time.

Next--our daughter Julie announced she will be having her left foot operated on October 14th. She has severe bunions and deformities in her big toes. They will have to break (eeek!!) the toe and put pins in. She will have the other foot done after the first of the year.  It's a out-patient surgery but she's still my baby!! She's picking up lots of cute flat shoes as she'll be wearing nothing but them for the next year.

And to ice the crap-cake last week, my hubby's Uncle Bill (his Dad's older brother) prostrate cancer has metastasized all over his body. He had a heart attack in mid-August and has been re-habbing in a nursing home whilst they built a new bathroom on the first floor of their home for him. They will be bringing him home to hospice care as there is nothing more they can do for him.

But life goes on. It's times like this I truly am grateful I have my faith and prayer to turn to.

Here's last week's outfitpaloosa!!!

Monday I pulled out my thrifted NineWest cowboy boots and paired them with a thrifted black pencil skirt and Native-American motif sweater.

I love the sweater's drapey front and "regular" back. This style reminded me of something SheilaEphemera would wear.

Tuesday I paired a thrifted mint tshirt with a thrifted glen plaid skirt and thrifted cardigan. The shoes are Aerosoles and thrifted.

Wednesday I paired a new blouse from Kohl's (on sale and a coupon so $6 out of pocket)my thrifted bias ruffle skirt, thrifted Easy Spirit wedge ballet flats with a thrifted zebra belt and thrifted bangle.

Thursday I was dressed easy and comfortable. I was helping serve the local high school football team spaghetti for dinner. (Our church youth pastor is their chaplain)  I paired thrifted jeans and a sweater tunic with the Aerosole boots I scored last year for like 90% off. 

Friday I'm thrifted head to toe again in Lee boyfriend jeans, Nine-West booties and afloral top.

It may be hard to see but the skirt is polka-dotted. The whole outfit is thrifted and was all of $11 total cost!! The shoes are Aerosole's and SUPER comfortable!! I had a ton of compliments for this outfit today. BIG HIT!!

Sorry for the picture quality--for some reason Blogger makes them crappy. Plus I STILL can't size them correctly. They are trying to help me figure this out!!

Well-I'm off to do some graphic stuff for Xmas ornaments!! Everyone have a fabulous week and I hope to be back on Wednesday!!!

TTFN
Tamera

I'm still here...

Hiya Blogland!!  Just a quick post--I'm still here. I just haven't really been feeling like posting the last few days. My heart's not in it right now-I need a little break. The situation with Curt has me re-evaluating alot of stuff these days.

I'm still cruising everyone's blogs and I'll be back very very soon!!

Love to all

Tamera