Friday Fancies Blog Swap

Hello to all of Heather's faithful readers! My name is Shannon and I blog over at "Eat, Pray, Love...LIVE!" My blog has followed me from a newlywed, trying to conceive our first child, living military life, enduring a miscarriage, and ultimately a painful divorce. It has truly been a journey. I would love if you guys would hop over and not only check out Heather's post, but follow me as well.

I'm sure you all have enjoyed all of Heather's fashion forward posts and Friday Fancies and this week, we get to swap! I decided to include a Friday Fancies inspired by a fashion icon, celebrity, or character. After thinking long and hard about the standard fashionistas like Jackie Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, and Audrey Hepburn, I decided to base my post on none other than Betty Draper.

Have any of you guys gotten into Mad Men? I had heard lots of rave reviews but once a show starts and I miss several episodes or entire seasons, I just can't jump in. Thanks to Netflix, I am just starting season two and hoping to push through all the remaining seasons before the season premiere. Back to fashion...I love the era in which the show takes place. The big skirts, full dresses, and red lips. I absolutely love it. Enjoy my Betty Draper inspiration and if you're feeling extra fancy, check out my Friday Fancies board on Pinterest!

Betty Draper Inspiration by shanstinson featuring a zipper dress

D G zipper dress
$485 - my-wardrobe.com

Old Gold Black Lace Corset Top - Low Price Corset Tops - Corsets
£17 - loveburlesque.com

Valentino bow pumps
$745 - valentino.com

Sondra Roberts black handbag
$188 - stefanibags.com

18k jewelry
$2,850 - kwiat.com

Adjusting to "me" time.

I'm lacking in "me" time.  I focus a lot on other people and other things.  In a nutshell I don't stick to my "to-do's"...like yesterday.  Wait, that was my laundry and not something I wanted to do.  However, my parents and grandparents suggested in the future I bring my laundry over to their houses each weekend to visit, eat dinner and/or lunch and "do" my laundry.  Pretty cool, huh?!  I think so. 
Today's an off day for me.  I'm just not feeling it.  And let's just say I had a terrible headache by 4:34 p.m. at the office.  Yes, exactly that time - I know this because I looked up at the clock.  I worked on the same project all day long.  All day.  Thank goodness I finished it.  Yay me!  And tomorrow is a brand new day (and that means spin class bright and early tomorrow morning).

I've been feeling really off so far this year.  It's probably because of my life changes.  My newly found single life is not all it's cracked up to be (of sorts).  Now don't get me wrong I definitely don't mind being alone, not at all.  And I'm not referring to dating; I'm not there yet.  But, getting in a "groove" of sorts with this "adjustment" it is an adjustment.  Anyone who has had a long-term relationship knows exactly what I'm talking about.  And I'm adjusting.

I need to "find" my groove and get back to it.  So, on Saturday night I made 60 + cards for Blondie's Shop.  I was a tad bit bored and it kept me busy.  I'm going to focus on "me" this year and find my groove.  I am determined to do this.  I've also been trying to save money and stay "in"...rather than go out.  And by "out" I mean to the movies and out to dinner.  I don't know really go out to the bars.  Well, on occasion I do or when I travel.  Typically though, when I visit friends we stay "in".  Anyhow, the going out thing gets old.  Well for me it does and it's expensive.  Yes, we can all agree on that.

Anyhow, I'm going to embrace my alone time and keep busy to the best of my ability.  I've decided to get my "A" game on with working out.  And let's just say "now" that I can walk normal after my Camelback Mountain climb two weekends ago I'm ready to go.  Also, I'm really focusing on changing my spending habits and paying off a bunch of bills this year.  I'm absolutely determined to do this.  The original deadline with summer but, I have to extend that a tad bit due to my June trip to Rome.  And I'm traveling a lot this year - that's my plan.  As a matter of fact I head to Chicagoland this Thursday night after work.  I'm looking forward to a weekend of fun with my girlfriend, Brenna, and her family.  Oh, and did I forget to mention that I am going to focus on eating healthier this year too, once I get my oven fixed (that is).  Yes, it's still broken.  UGH.

Have a great night!  Until next time.  Oh, and who is excited about the line-up for the Super Bowl?  I am.

Sassy Stylin' "Football" Sunday.

I'm suppose to be dealing with my 17+ loads of laundry today.  Suppose to be...  But, I've been distracted.  Caught up with a friend this morning, met the parents for lunch, football, and visited the grandparents.  I'm a busy gal.  And to think nothing was planned except for my laundry. 

Alright, I need to get to it.  The laundry that is.  The 6 "real" loads that I have to do.  And I'm rooting for the Giants.  I'd like to see the underdog take it all.  ALL of it!  I'd like to see them win the game today and win the Super Bowl.  Y-E-S win it all!  But, we will see.

Have a great Sunday!  See you soon.

Sunday Ideal by emcclo259 featuring graphic tees

Fashion Friday & Friday's Fancies - Color Inspiration.

It's finally here.  Ladies and Gentlemen without further ado I give you Fashion Friday!  Today's theme is Color Inspiration.  Each of us experiences this.  Seriously, we do.  Yes, you too gentlemen.  We all have it!  Each and every one.  And typically we are passionate about "what" color  we choose.

I'll admit it I'm a neutral girl.  Yes, I am.  However, I've been trying to branch out.  To go "outside" of comfort zone.  A little mantra I recite to myself "Heather, it's ok to step out side of your comfort zone, it's ok to add color, remember it adds sass, lots and lots of sass, it's ok to step out side of your comfort zone, it's ok to add color..." And so on.  

Adding color is fabulous way of adding sass to your outfit.  Even if it's the tiniest bit - say with a scarf.  Or you can add a lot of color and tone it down just a "tad" bit with a neutral color.  For example, my outfit selection for today.  Side note: this is not my own creation, but that of a wonderful designer on polyvore.  This outfit is va-va-voom and has a tremendous amount of sass and YES I would wear it.  Yep!  I sure would.  And I would look fabulous too.  But, I'm not quite sure "what" I'd wear it too...  Oh, don't you worry I'd find somewhere.  By the way, I particular like the dress and jacket because of their lines.  Look closely at the picture and you'll see what I mean.  They aren't "plain" items of clothing they definitely add dimension although they are sleek too...

So, what do you think about my color inspiration of today?  Do you step outside of your comfort zone in fashion?  Do you add sass?

Don't forget to stop over at Blonde Episodes for more Fashion Friday posts and {long distance loving} for more Friday's Fancies.  Have a fabulous Friday and wonderful weekend!  See you soon.  Please do give me your opinion on today's outfit...

11.01.2012 by desdeportugal featuring synthetic shoes

Burberry party dress
$870 - stylebop.com

Milly cropped jacket
$665 - reissonline.com

Miss KG synthetic shoes
£70 - kurtgeiger.com

Lanvin leather shoulder handbag
$1,150 - net-a-porter.com

Bronze ring
£1,049 - farfetch.com

Christian Dior oversized sunglasses
$385 - forzieri.com

Tuesday Tidbits.

I made a decision.  Yep, I did.  I'm going to change things up.  The boredom needs to go.  It seriously needs to go.  So...  I have decided to make some adjustments in 2012.  I've already told you that health and travel are my goals.  And the travel is going just fine.  I'm adding my to my workout regime.  The sis and I discussed once a month climbing and/or hiking different peaks/mountains.  And I'm going to try out indoor rock climbing this weekend. 

Yes, yes, and yes, I will keep everyone posted.  Oh, and I'm going to branch out and watch different movies (upon recommendations of others) and shows.  I'll update you on this later this week.  Let me just say that the HBO Miniseries Generation Kill rocked over the weekend and it was well worth the 8 hours I spent watching it.  Oh, and last Friday evening I watched "What's your number?" - this movie is being added to my DVD Library, it was fabulous!  And boy did I laugh.

It's Tuesday and I am changing things up this year.  What about you?  Are you changing things up this year? 

Climbing Camelback.

This past Sunday the sis and I climbed Camelback Mountain (Phoenix, Arizona).  It was my 3rd time and Mel's first time.  We started right after sunrise and it was a crisp, cool, and windy climb.  We had a lot of fun.  It was a bit intense at times and of course challenging.  But, we made it to the top! 

The railing climb from afar...

We started early to avoid the crowd and thankfully we did.  We encountered a bunch of hungover, crazy frat boys and of course the regulars.  And amazingly enough there were a lot of doggies climbing too.

Ok, the particulars...  Camelback Mountain hike or as I like to call it is a "climb".  Yes, it truly is and I'm definitely feeling it today.  From start to finish the climb is 1-1/2 miles and it took us 2-1/2 hours round trip.  There are two portions that are pretty much completely vertical and you need to use the railing to climb it.  And then the other parts you have to step-up rocks and/or boulders to move up (obviously).  I'm 5' 6" and the sis is 5' 1" so at times it was a bit challenging for her to step-up however she rocked it.  We did stop a few times for water breaks and "just" to break.  It was pretty intense.  Oh, and on the way back down I slipped and caught myself and cut my finger.  Nice, huh?!  I didn't bring any band aids with me so I had to deal with it.  Oh, but at that point I did put on my workout gloves.  Don't ask "why" I didnt' already have them on.  Just don't. 

We learned a few things for our next climb...  We are both going to purchase the "hiking" fanny pack.  It will be so much easier to climb with something that sits low on your back rather than a criss-cross bag that we both had on.  We brought to much water.  I was worried that we wouldn't have enough.  We each had 2 bottles (33.8 ounces) each and a low-calorie Gatorade (just in case).  I packed 2 power bars and trail mix bars too.  And thank goodness I brought tissues we both needed them.  Next time I'll pack a band aid or two just in case.  We brought our ID's, chapstick, our phones, and Mel (of course) brought her camera - I don't think she leaves home without it.  She really doesn't - she is always taking photos, always.

Anywho, we had a fabulous time and we are both looking forward to climbing Camelback monthly and/or mixing it up with some other mountains here in town.  Note: the pictures below are out of order.  But, enjoy "our" climb!

A stop along the way...water break and an obvious photo-op.

Climbing up...it's pretty much vertical.



I wasn't paying attention and walked behind "one" of these...boy did my sis let me know.  I seriously didn't realize.



I told Mel to turn around for a picture...I got quite a look.  However, I must say she rocked it.



The climb "up" the railing.

This is an awesome pic!  It was super duper windy.

Mel and I on top of the world!

Our reward for climbing to the top!

Me taking photos with my new phone.  Love it!

This was not fun and happened right after we headed back down the mountain. 
And it gushed the whole way down, no band aids either.

As of Tuesday I'm still recovering from the climb.  My legs are so tight.  Needless to say I have not worked out since the climb nor have I gone to spin.  I'm hoping for Saturday morning.  The plan is to try out indoor rock climbing.

Have a wonderful day!

Sassy Stylin' Sunday - Casual with a "pop" of RED.

Not sure how everyone else feels about this but, I'm really into adding "pops" of color to my outfits.  I really think it adds sass and a little bit extra "oomph".  Lately, I've been leading towards casual, comfy looks.  I'm not all about looking so good that it feels seriously uncomfortable.  I mean who wants to look good but, feel uncomfortable, you know right?  For example, shoes with high heels and pants that are too tight...  Anyone out there like me...?  I'm sure a few of you are right there with me. 

Anyhow, today's look is casual comfort with a "pop" of RED.  Enjoy!  Have a fabulous Sunday.  I'm hanging out at home and dog sitting for MollyMoo.  And I'm still deciding what to watch. 

 

everday fall by kendallth featuring butterfly earrings