Manic Monday--week 2

"Playing dress up begins at age five and never truly ends"--Kate Spade

I must say last week was very busy for me personally and professionally.  The one thing I didn't have to worry about was "what am I going to wear today?"   Having my outfits, shoes, accessories and jewelry already laid out for the week made mornings run sooooo much smoother for me.  My daughter is a teenager and she isn't much of a morning person so I do spend a big part of my morning following up with her to make sure she stays "on task" to be ready to leave the house on time for school and work.  The more organized I am in the mornings the easier it is to get out the door.

I follow "The FLYLADY", I have for years.  She offers daily, weekly, monthly tips on how to be organized and clean up the clutter in "just 15 minutes a day."  I'm not sure when she first started but I have been following her since 2001.  I first purchased her book, "Sink Reflections" and loved the book.  I don't do everything she recommends, I probably should I would be VERY organized if I did. But planning what to wear the next day the night before was something she always recommended.  I'm just taking this a step farther and planning out a weeks worth of outfits.  This benefits me better as sometimes my evenings can be busy and I don't want to have to do that on a nightly basis.

While planning my outfits for this week the days temps are suppose to be in the 70's to low 80's but the early mornings will be high 50's to 60's, so lots of layering this week!  I do love the season of Autumn but it can make wardrobe planning a challenge with the warm days and cool nights!   Also this week is Senior Night at the football game so I'm thinking my blue jean pants will not do and I don't want to wear a dress, that would be too fancy.  This is what I came up with for week two's wardrobe,

Monday:  navy cotton tee, sunny yellow sweater and navy striped seersucker capris all by Croft & Barrow from Kohl's.  Shoes are Dexflex from ShopKo and necklace and earrings also from Kohl's.

Tuesday:  Black and white button down cotton shirt from Chadwicks of Boston, Boyfreind Capri jeans from Macy's and Shoes from Easy Spirit,  Silver hoop bracelet and earrings from Maurice's.

Wednesday:  Black sundress by Croft & Barrow from Kohl's, blue jean jacket from Coldwater Creek and shoes by Anne Klein Sport at Macy's and the necklace and earrings I bought at a nail salon for $8.  My blue jean jacket I have had for 11 years!  Proof that a well made classic styled item can last for YEARS!

Thursday:  This color combo is my favorite, navy and coral!  It's going to be in the 80's so I'm going sleeveless that day.  Navy crepe and lace top  and the coral cotton tank top both by a.n.a. bought at JC Penny's and the Navy and white paisley print capris by Docker's bought at Kohl's. Suede navy shoes by Boston Design.  Gold webbed bracelet I got at Kohl's about 4 years ago and the pearl drop earrings I bought on Amazon.

Friday:  It will be in the 60's and its Senior night at the football game so I wanted to look classy and be warm without having to wear a bulky coat so this is what I came up with.  Black knit turtle neck by Apt 9 from Kohl's, a reversible black and leopard print vest bought at Macy's a couple years ago, black suede pants by Coldwater Creek.  I have had these pants for 11 years and they are still a deep black color and still in great shape!  Leopard print shoes by Dexflex from ShopKo, I bought those a couple years ago.  My gold bracelet and earrings I bought on vacation 23 years ago.

The organization of my outfits for the week and my accessories and jewelry really does help to make my mornings run so much smoother!

Thrifty Thursday....A little bit of this and a little bit of that!

"A Bank is a place that will lend you money if you can prove that you don't need it"--Bob Hope

Before teaching I spent a big part of my career in my 20's and 30's in banking.  You learn a lot about people's financial habits when you are in banking.  Usually the people with the most net worth have the most debt.

I know what it is like to have two pennies to rub together after paying all the bills and you pray that nothing major happens before the next pay day.  I at one time was a single mother working two jobs so I learned how to stretch a dollar or two.  Back then was when I started hitting garage sales and thrift stores to help make ends meet.  As a teacher I now go thrifting for books and things for the classroom, Halloween costumes, decor for my home, stuff for the camper, clothes items for my family....you get the idea.

To be a successful thrifter you need an idea of what your looking for, the patience to wait until you eventually find what your looking for and for it to be the right price for your budget.  Also time....time to look.  A perfect example for me, I had found the prettiest blue drop earrings on sale at Maurice's for less than $5.  I loved them and the price was right but I didn't like the necklace that actually matched the earrings so I only bought the earrings.  I wore the earrings without a necklace, I'd wear a scarf or just not wear anything in place of the necklace.  A couple weeks ago my hubs wanted to buy a belt.  He was appalled at the cost of new belts and mentioned that he wanted to go thrifting.  He scored a new belt for $3.00. While he was "looking around" I spotted a necklace that seemed as though it would match my earrings, it was only $4.00.  So I bought the necklace and took it home and it matched the earrings perfectly.  Score!  My patience had paid off.

I saw a few other things there but I didn't have time to really look as my hubs was done and wanted to go.  I went back later in the week but I'll share that adventure in a later blog!

You gotta have a Plan...

"Small changes can make a big difference"...anonymous

Weigh In Wednesday's:

Starting weight was 177 as of September 21st.

I've finished the book The Carb Nite Solution.  It was informative and made a lot of sense, but realistically I don't believe I can implement it into my daily life.  I think what I will do is dig out my old Weight Watcher books and very much like the 21 day fix use containers to help me with portion control.  Our family was in Carrollton for "Band Days" and they have a ShopKo.  Often in the past when we have had to make trips up to Carrollton I enjoy popping into ShopKo to see what deals I can find.  I came across these portion containers that I will be using very much like they do for the 21 day fix.  I got these on sale for $11.50 they are regularly $22.99.  They are much cheaper then the cost of those 21 day fix containers that seem to be all the rage right now.

I am also interested in trying the PIYO diet.  I ran across it on Pinterest and did some research.  I sounds like a diet I could also stick to.  On the website: weightomaintain.com there is a couple of free printables for the PIYO food list and the eating plan check list.  It helps you watch your carb intake and is also about portion control.  The website gives you step by step how to determine your "Caloric Target" and "The Food Plan." The food list is very realistic and doable for me.  I know that I will need to "watch my carb" intake as my body does seem to hold on to carbs.

During my journey on my attempt to get healthy I will be posting some meal ideas, my exercise for the week and my weigh in.  I'm hoping my struggles and successes can help to motivate others also as they follow me along on my journey to get healthy and feel more comfortable with myself.

 Please note I am NOT in the medical field and I also am not a sales nor spokes person for Weight Watchers or PIYO. I also do not receive any compensation for mentioning these companies in my blog.  I'm just sharing my personal thoughts and experiences.  I also am not trying to encourage people to follow my diet and exercise program.  Like everything in life what works for some people does not always works for others.  This is my plan for me and my lifestyle.

Weigh in for September 30th:  175 down 2 lbs.  I walked a total of 8 miles last week.  Normally during the week I will skip breakfast and have just coffee.  I get up pretty early, anywhere between 5am to 6am and I just can't eat as soon as I wake up.  Something that I'm doing different this last week is I'm bringing an oatmeal packet to work and having breakfast with some of my "Little Darlings" in the morning.  So far it seems to workout OK and I'm not starving by 10am!  I've also packed my lunch instead of eating lunch out.  I'm using the containers for portion control and it is helping me not over eat.  I'm truly full after eating my portions.  I'm hoping that those small changes will make a big difference down the road with helping me lose weight.

A Fashionista I'm NOT!

"Fashion is what you're offered four times a year by Designers.  Style is what you choose."--Lauren Hutton.

Let's be perfectly clear, I'm NOT a fashionista!  I do enjoy flipping through fashion magazines, going out on Pinterest, and seeing what the latest "Celebs" consider to be fashionable.  But no matter what is in fashion bottom line I'm gonna wear what I can afford and what is comfortable and looks good on me.  I'm in my fifties and I'm a few pounds heavier than I'd like to be.  I'm working on the weight thing but in the mean time it DOES NOT mean that I can't look stylish in the process right?!?

My sense of style leans toward classic looks.  I may have a trendy piece here or there added in for interest but I feel if I'm going to purchase something then I'd like to be able to wear it more than a season or two.  Most of the outfits I will be putting together on "Manic Monday's" are between $50-$100 for the entire ensemble.

I shop sales, I use coupons, I go thrifting, but I'm not a shopaholic.  I will often come across things when I have to shop for others.  Honestly I hate the whole clothing shopping process to be truthful.  I HATE trying on clothes and fighting crowds but I do love scoring an awesome piece of clothing at a great price!  Also I'm the type if I see a style or brand that I like I will sometimes get a couple in different colors.  I like to stay with what "works" for me.

I will list my daily picks and list the cost if they were somewhat recent purchases, (in the last year or two) and I'll list the brands and where I purchased the items.  Keep in mind I have had some items for YEARS!  Classic pieces never go out of style and if you take care of your clothes and also the items are of good quality they will last!  And yes you can fine bad quality from Walmart to Macy's but you can find good quality too, you just have to know what to look for.  But that subject I will cover in another blog down the road.

Monday:  Black and White Floral Sundress by Croft & Barrow  19.99 on clearance at Kohl's.  Faded Glory Black sandals 9.99 at Walmart.  Gold necklace & bracelet (gift) and pearl drop earrings 5.99 Amazon.

Tuesday:  Yellow Polo shirt by Croft & Barrow 7.99 on clearance at Kohl's.  I bought four in different colors because the price was so cheap.  Brown shorts by Dockers 9.99,  Simply Vera Brown sandals $17.99, Gold hammered bracelet and earrings 12.99 all from Kohl's.

Wednesday:  Red & White Paisley Button down shirt by Chadwicks $19.99, Style & Co boyfriend Capris $19.99 from Macy's, Ruby shoes by Ollio from Amazon, White Drop Earrings 5.00 from Kohl's.

Thursday:  Navy Polo by Faded Glory from Walmart $5.99, Croft & Barrow Seersucker navy stripe Capris $9.99 at Kohl's, Silver "ball" necklace from Maurice's , Silver Teardrop Earrings from Coldwater Creek, Navy & White striped Shoes by Dexflex $19.99 at ShopKo on sale.

Friday:  Smithville Warrior T-Shirt $12.99 from our local grocery store and it is well made and one of my favorite "Warrior" shirts!  Style & Co Capris from Macy's, ID bracelet (gift from my HS graduation 35 years ago!) and silver earrings $10.00 Maurice's and Black shoes e 360 by Easyspirit $15.99.

Until I come up with a better method I have one jewelry drawer divided using old jewelry boxes with the days written to keep my pieces organized until I'm ready to wear them.  I also have a hook on my closet door where I will be hanging my outfits until the day that I need them.

Day 11 Organization is Key....

"I've learned time management, organization and I have priorities."--Tory Burch
My goal for this blog is to be informative, inspiring, helpful with a splash of humor tossed in for good measure.  I have quickly discovered that to type a blog everyday is a challenge and one that I quickly found out I'm not going to be able to do on a daily basis.  So I'm hoping to post at least 3-4 times a week instead of everyday.  I don't want this blog to just be random thoughts for the purpose of posting something...anything!  I'd like to have my blog serve a purpose, to entertain and inform.  So I'm organizing my posts to be the following subjects:

Manic Mondays will be posts of comfortable and affordable work outfits that I have thrown together for the week.

Weigh In Wednesdays will be tracking my personal exercise and weight loss for the week and I'll share some yummy recipe ideas here and there too.

Thrifty Thursdays will be sharing some creative and thrifty ways to get things for my home, classroom or things for myself and family without breaking the bank!

FLYLADY Fridays will be occasional posts from "The FLYLADY and her books or website to help offer organizational hints for all us very busy Moms and Teachers out there in blog land.  I just love her and feel I must share her fab ideas!

Every post will have a quote.  I like to share quotes because I think they can inspire and often make you think about things....much like poetry just shorter and a bit easier to understand.  :).

My OCD has encouraged me to "organize" my blog so that it's not just daily random thoughts.  Oh I may occasionally throw some in every once in awhile if it's something that is important to me and I think you would be interested to read it.  But mostly I think I'll stick to the above mentioned format, I don't want to miss out on any family time because I'm stuck on my computer thinking what to write about!  😊

Day 10 Traffic Jam....

"Stop a moment, cease your work, and look around you."--Thomas Carlyle

Ever been stuck in a Traffic Jam?  I've lived in St Louis, Missouri most of my adult life.  I know traffic jams all to well!  Now I live in Smithville, Missouri which is about 20 minutes north from downtown Kansas City, Missouri.  My morning commute to work is approximately 8 minutes, that's it.  But believe it or not even living in a small town surrounded by farm country I still get stuck in traffic jams.  The jams are different from the interstate or downtown city type traffic jams with cars and trucks bumper to bumper that most people would bring to mind.  I've been stuck behind tractors, men on horses, garbage trucks and geese, yes geese have no knowledge of time, unless they are trying to migrate somewhere.  Initially getting stuck behind said situations that create the traffic jams usually would cause a level of stress for me.  Not in an anger sort of way but I can defiantly tell the old blood pressure goes up a notch. I normally am always early to work so even if my "commute" lasts longer then 8 minutes I am always on time.  Why I feel this stress I'm unsure.  Is it the loss of control?  Is it because it effects  how early I was planning to get to work?  I don't know.

Last Thursday morning my daughter and I were "stuck in traffic" behind a tractor.  A truck in front of us was "gunning" his truck to try to pass going up a hill.  I used this man's poor driving to point out to my daughter who is currently learning to drive that his move to pass going up hill was a dangerous decision.  We also talked about how disrespectful the truck driver was honking his horn at the farmer on his tractor.  We have so much to thank farmers for, their hard work 24/7, the food that makes its way to our tables and one of the oldest professions in history is farming.

I have such fond memories of growing up on a farm in Wisconsin.  If you want to truly see God's beauty, go to Wisconsin farm country.  The summer days are warm and the nights are cool.  The rolling rocky hills, green grass and fields, the skies are blue and fluffy white clouds shaped in all things imagined with the hint of pine in the air.  That's what I remember growing up on our farm.  Dad and Mom called it "The 4/B Ranch", named after my siblings and I who's names all begin with "B".  When I think back to my happiest memories they always take me back to the farm years.  Besides my marriage to my husband and the birth of my three children, the farm in Wisconsin were my fondest memories.  Don't get me wrong, it was hard work and there was always work to be done.  But we also had a lot of fun!  Riding horses in the summer and riding snowmobiles in the winter.  Our farm and the land it was on was our playground.  It was a beautiful farm.  It is a beautiful memory.

My daughter and I were able to see a most beautiful sunrise following behind the farmer on his tractor,  I wonder if we would have noticed it if we hadn't been stuck in our little "Traffic Jam?"

Day 9 Moms' Night Out...

"I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection.  Excellence, I can reach for;  perfection is God's business."--Michael J. Fox

As a Christian woman I feel Blessed.  Does that mean that things come easy?  No! Does that mean I never make mistakes?  No!  Does that mean that God is right there beside me through all my struggles and all my goof ups?  ABSOLUTLY!

A few weeks ago while camping my hubs and daughter and I watched a movie titled "Moms' Night Out."   It was hysterical, we laughed a lot but  it also hit home for me.  There is a scene where the main character's husband comes home with flowers on Mothers Day to give to his wife, only to find a trail of empty chocolate wrappers leading to their walkin closet.  There on the floor of the closet eating chocolate and watching an Eagle Cam is his wife,  a crying, tired mess.  At that moment in the movie my daughter turns to me and said, "Mom you've never done that have you?"   I smiled at her and said "sadly yes more times then I'd like to admit."  My daughter said, "but why Mommy your a good mom."  I smiled at her and said "I'm glad you think so but just two days ago you said I was the worse mom ever!"  That remark seems to come out of most teenagers mouths during those moments when you aren't giving them the answer they are wanting to hear.

Being a mom is hard, being a good mom is a lot harder!  And yes I have sought the comfort of a walkin closet to cry, calm myself  and gather my composure before going back out to my family after I have felt I've failed them in some particular moment. You can't go to the bathroom....that's the first place they go looking for you!  But the closet, no one looks for you in a closet!  :)

I've been told that I am a good mom.  But in all honesty there's times when I feel I fall short.  Why do I feel this way?  And I know I'm not the only mom who feels this way.  Friends and family members have made the same remarks to me that they feel they aren't as good of moms as they think they could be.  Why are we so hard on ourselves?  Are we expecting ourselves to be perfection?  My three children are happy, healthy and carving their way in the world.  The boys have families of their own raising their children (and doing a great job at it) and they both have wonderful wives.  I AM Blessed to be able to see their successes, I AM Blessed that we all enjoy getting together, I AM Blessed to feel the love and family unity I feel when we are all together, but I KNOW this!   Yet I still feel like I've not been the best mom I could be.  I guess I should heed my own advice.  I recently had a conversation with a single mother, she is a hard working amazing mother!  But she was beating herself up, I told her that she is doing a lot more things right than she was giving herself credit for, she was being to hard on her self.  I tried to help her look at all the positive things she was doing for her child.

I was told a long time ago by my Pastor's wife that raising children was "a hope and a prayer."  There is so much truth in that statement!  I have repeated that statement to several moms I've had indepth discussions about parenting with.  I just need to keep reminding myself of that same statement.....I hope to strive to be an "excellent" mother and I pray that God gives me the "perfection" to do it well!  And I think my mom friends and I need to plan an occasional "Moms' Night Out" because us Moms really do need to stick together and support each other.  It really IS the hardest and most important job we will ever do!  And I plan on sharing that movie with all my mom friends too!