Pinterest inspried hair- simply twisting and rubber banded in the back. Next time I should rat my hair a bit so it's not so flat in the back.

Since I haven’t done  A Fine Dime {fashion from thrift stores & Garage Sales} post in awhile, when I got dressed the other day and realized that most of the articles I was wearing were from random places I decided to share.

Fashion from thrift stores doesn’t mean it has to be tacky and un-stylish and although I’m not going to have clothes from the most current season, I think finding classic pieces and things that fit your personalty is more important than just buying some cookie cutter trend. Fashion is about expressing yourself. Have fun!

I think 2012 is about wearing sentimental pieces. I find that a bit funny and ironic- perhaps the fashion designers are thinking that they should capitalize on the “end of the world” mentality or something, hah!  I’ve seen a lot of antique-inspired pieces in the stores, jewelers are making new pieces that are copies of ones made in the 1930′s and 1940′s. What makes this trend even more fun is the fact that you can pull out any pieces that were heirlooms and wear them. I’m a huge fan of wearing vintage jewelry and when it’s from a Grandmother it means even more.

For starters,this is a “Me” outfit. I like being comfortable so sometimes that gets in the way of dressing up.  Don’t get me wrong- I love looking nice and feeling pretty but my yoga pants are really comfortable! This outfit was perfect because it was so comfortable, yet it was fun and expressed my personalty at the same time.

*Skinny Jeans- Hand-me-down from Lori. Forever 21.

*Red Sweater- Gap, from a garage sale, $.25. SUPER comfie and great for Razorback football in the fall! Wooo Pig Sooie!

*Navy Wedge Heels- Mossimo, Target, off the sale rack, $14

*Gold Locket Necklace- Heirloom from my Grandmother. She got it when she was a baby and there are tiny teeth marks on it. There are pictures of my mom and uncle from when they were babies. I love this piece and have seen COPIES of it in all the super high end stores. Wearing a piece that has history is so much better than buying new jewelry. Vintage is back- dig through the old stuff that you forgot you owned! You may find a treasure.

*Tunic Tank- Xileration, Target, Hand-me-down from Esther. I love the bright colors! I never seem to buy prints but I love this shirt!

*Cowboy-esque Gold Belt- I LOVE this! I is an heirloom from my Great- Grandmother and sat in my childhood dress-up box for years. My Granny was a party girl and knew how to dress up! I love to think of all the parties she attended  when she was my age in Austin, TX. I would have never purchased a belt like this- it’s too gaudy for my tastes but how amazing is it that I have it? I enjoy wearing it because it was hers.

*Bracelet- Another heirloom from relatives. My mom always had it in her jewelry box but I don’t know the whole story on it.I know it is at least 50 years old though. I love the pattern on it, like little winking eyes.

*Emerald Ring- (not pictured) Perhaps my favorite heirloom from my Grandmother. I remember my mother wearing it in the 1990′s and always thinking that it was a ring fit for a princess. When my mom gave it to me I nearly passed out. It was my Grandmother’s ring from the 1960′s, called a “dinner ring”, that my Grandfather gave her at the height of his career when he was a young millionaire. It’s such a classic American fairy tale and, being a poor pastor’s daughter, I loved it.

*Hair- like I said above, my hair was Pinterst inspired. I found a pin and although my end result wasn’t exactly the way the hair ARTIST had hers looking, I still liked it. I think next time I’ll have to rat my hair and use more hairspray. I simply twisted 2 pieces and then tied them together with some of my leftover braces rubber bands. )

How ironic, I thought briefly watching Bear fall through the air, banging against a metal bar with his face before falling on his head on the ground.

Less than 2 hours ago I had been telling my friend that I believed in Chiropractic services and I wish that I could afford them again. When my 2 boys were babies I took each of them their first year and feel that is made a huge difference in their overall health. I couldn’t seem to justify it to Ben… and it was a huge expense that our budget couldn’t handle so I quit going. I had been re-telling the story to a friend wistfully wishing I had a reason to go again and then, just a couple hours later, Bug, yes BUG,  climbed up to the top of the play toy I felt was too high for him, lost his grip and fell, busting his lip and banging his head.

Blood dripping, I scoped him up, my body rigid, not dealing well with injuries and blood. After the nausea passed I checked for broken teeth and wondered if I needed to take him to the ER. Bear was in the middle of it, asking “what happened?” over and over and I pushed him away, blotting blood and trying to think.

Angry at being ignored for 5-10 minutes, Bear climbed up the same ladder, turned, looked at me and then mysteriously lost his balance, first slamming his face into a metal rung on the ladder, then falling backwards to the ground 5 feet down. It was very slow and fast at the same time. He didn’t move and I wondered if he would ever be able to walk again. Not rational, just thinking. Then he cried and his words slurred and my heart stopped beating.

I’m not good at injuries, blood and pain. I want to shield myself from it all, wrap my kids in bubble wrap and know they are safe. Because if I can’t keep them safe, what kind of mother am I?

4 hours later were released from the hospital, only a mild concussion. So many more things could have happened and I’m rattled at their existence.  I hadn’t before thought about my child being paralyzed or broken bones but then all I could think was about friends whose kids had to be air flown down to Little Rock for emergency brain surgery.

My world had changed in an instant and I’m left weak at my inability to keep them safe. While we waited in the agonizingly slow ER I was able to stop and think. I prayed over his lethargic body and the whisper of they aren’t yours… was like a breeze in the emotionally stiffing room. I turned my head away.

they are mine and how much more so do I love them than you? Give them back.

I don’t want to. They are MINE. I feel like my children squabbling over a broken toy that suddenly has value because the other wants it. But slowly, I unclench my fists and pray again, not my will but yours be done. Peace is there again and I’m able to breathe deeply suddenly, as if a great load was taken off my chest and lungs.

This will be my every day journey, knowing truth and choosing to embrace it. Life is full of pain, even in the throb of your heart when it’s swelling with joy watching your perfect child sleep.

I’m never going to be whole again and I lean into it- through my broken pieces and pains I keep hidden, there is freedom, and without the bad, I wouldn’t see the beauty and good in every little detail.

5th Birthday on Tuesday!

I’ve finally come to terms with my post-baby body.  kind of…

As part of my ongoing New Years Resolution to better love myself, thought faults and love handles, I continue to persevere through the driest work out spell since I started the couch to 5k in November. Part of that is I’m working again and I’m trying to re-define priories and make working out happen because I’m happier full of endorphins than chocolate…

I digress.

So, to make working out more “fun”, fashion has to make an entrance. I’ve bought work out clothes for years and have found though trial and error what minimizes my 2- babied, c-sectioned belly and muffin-top and also what hides stretch marked legs. and if those things aren’t issues for you… then pop over to my inspiration today – Paige. Her picks were so ADORABLE and perhaps in my after body I can wear tops like that! ;D She discusses bras that enhance whereas mine are about compression.

REAL QUICK- I’m not going to lie… I started at lulu lemon which is GREAT if you can afford it. In fact, I’ll jealously covet your $200 tank top as I sweat through my sale rack one from Kohl’s but my reality is budget so my post-baby workout clothes are attainable to the average girl. All of my picks were from Target, Old Navy and Columbia Outlets.

-I’ll start with the bottom up. Back in the day when I ran cross country (cue the collective bored yawn) I loved Nike. They worked for my feet and still do Regardless if you are working out for the first time or have completed a 5k, (or marathon…) it’s always a great idea to go to a professional place to get fitted. It really doesn’t matter what you wear if your base isn’t covered. I went to a local place called Rush Running and they took a video of my running on a treadmill (yes, a little awkward but they only video from your calves down) then recommended several bands, including Nike, which I got. Those super light weight kicks are cute but they don’t hold up well and they may not be good for your body. Get fitted.

1. Sports Bras- Once I wasn’t nursing a baby, I was able to have more fun! Like for the first time- usually I’m so practical [boring] and getting this blue bra was a big step for me! I love wearing it under plain colored tanks. This one wasn’t totally necessary but it’s like when I get new underwear- I just feel prettier even if no one sees my bra, although I’ve noticed I pick tanks that will show the bright blue! Clearly, after making my style board, I like blues, grays and blacks. They have styles and colors at a lot of stores and as long as it’s comfortable, get it! I got this blue one at Old Navy during a sale. Most places have great sales on active wear if you can wait.

2. Tanks- I got one just like this and I feel dressy when I go to the gym. I don’t feel quite as raggedy as I do in my old maternity tanks that I usually wear. I might as well look pretty… although I feel the insane need to wear make-up which is actually kind of a step backwards but WHATEVER. I feel pretty. Old Navy has  a lot of options that aren’t just your old, ribbed, shapeless tank. Having something with patterns hides the belly better. I have found that single-colored tanks seem to emphasize my slowest shrinking part of myself…

3. Water Bottle Holder- I like water. A lot. In fact, I won’t go off running unless there is water strapped to my back. They have lots of different styles of this, available at most running or outdoor stores. I picked this style because I’m new to running and the water belts with 4 small bottles seemed so… professional. Like, I feel like I need to run a dozen miles or be a size 0 (looking like I run a dozen miles) to wear it. A single bottle holder in the back just says “Hey, she’s working hard, perhaps she’s run a half a dozen miles or so…” (A girl can dream about what people are saying behind her back. Umm wait…)

4. Tanks- This style is one I love because it hides the baby belly even better than the other style. I like feeling comfortable when I work out and when I can forget about how I look I have a better work out. I think it’s important to wear clothes that look good on your body but also ones that help you feel less self- conscious. Although I love my pretty tank- this one is better for the days I’m wanting to hide a bit more…

5. Compression Pants- I will be your new best friend once you try on a pair. Basically you will get your “after” shape quickly. It’s basically like Spanx for the working out girl. I tried on a pair and was like “Ummmm YEAH!” out loud in the dressing room at Old Navy. They were having a huge sale so I got them for 50% off. Other than the fact that they make me feel wonderful, they are great when I’m running. I don’t have to worry about pants sliding down or riding up like shorts seem to do on me. I prefer shorter ones, tight to the knee. Target also has these type of work out pants. I look awkward in capris but if you like capris, the go with that. I have large calves and feel like pants to the ankle or shorts to the knees are a better option. Also- shorts, like the short ones, make me uncomfortable because I managed to get stretch marks on like 3/4′s of my body during pregnancy and I don’t really want them showing.

6. Headbands- Unless you are one of the weirdos that likes to run with your hair down (How is that NOT annoying?!) you will need to have to have your hair pulled back- might as well do something stylish! LuLu Lemon- these headbands are $12 and $14 each on line. I know I said I wasn’t doing this expensive brand BUT it’d be great to say that I owned SOMETHING LuLu Lemon… Otherwise Walmart has a great selection too.

7. Lightweight Coat- Yeah- so you can really just get any coat that you feel comfortable in that isn’t too heavy. I love the Columbia brand and while at an Outlet last summer got the perfect coat for $25! (Not pictured- Columbia Vest that I don’t own… yet! Another great option for the chilly mornings!)

8. Compression Bras- Yep, this got 2 numbers on my list. Why? Because when you are nursing or well endowed, compression bras make all the difference. I remember trying one on with a 3 month old who liked to nurse all the time and being able to do a comfortable JUMPING JACK. For some people, this can affect milk supply so be aware and don’t wear them all day if you choose to work out in these. Target had a great selection of these.

9. Yoga Pants- for the days I’d rather do a yoga class or ellipicial or basically anything that doesn’t involve me jumping around. Yoga pants never seem to want to stay on when I run but they are GREAT for hiding the muffin top. Once again, if a muffin top isn’t something you struggle with more power to ya- but for the rest of us, yoga pants are a flattering way to work out comfortably. Or just wear all the time.

*Be sure to not get cotton pants in either these or the Compression Pants, try instead to get a spandex blend- and always get BLACK. Nothing is more embarrassing that wearing grey cotton work out pants and then seeing that it looked like you peed in your pants post workout…

And there you go. I’m trying to get more serious about working out and taking care of myself! Join in! What are your favorite brands or styles? Do you have any go-to, favorite must haves?

Published. NWA-ers grab a Peekaboo this week! Page 22...

My new computer

My computer is a very important part of my life- not only do I use it to blog, find community online and enjoy social media, it’s also very important to my work.  I’m a bit cheap with laptops, not requiring much other than they work and have internet. I’ve put up with hand-me-downs with permanent marker scribbles, missing keys and having a laptop that always had to be plugged in. And I’ve been, in general, happy.  Until last week when I was working on a deadline and my computer just went… [insert rant]. As things would have it, Collective Bias asked me to do a quick turn-around COMPUTER shop for them Saturday morning so I don’t think they had finished asking before I was saying “I’ll do it!!! Also great was the fact that I was able to use the funds they gave me to do the shop in conjunction with my small savings for a new computer- so I was able to get a much nicer one than I would have been able to!

As per most of my shopping these days, I turned to the internet to do some research and figure out where the best deal was for a computer that would work for me.  I hit the regular places, Best Buy, Walmart & Amazon.

Found it online, then in the store.

Walmart.com's computer selection was good too- the site to store was great- free shipping!

Close up on the computers I was looking at on Amazon.com- If I knew EXACTLY what I was wanting, I might consider ordering off here. Otherwise, I like instant gratification!

 I realized that in order to be productive in LIFE that I needed to bite the bullet and just get a new computer. I think that in my world, it goes without saying that most of the voices whispering (ahem ahem YELLING) in my ear were saying to get a MacBook Pro. Umm. Yeah. If I didn’t have 2 young kids and a home mortgage I totally would get one. In my every day life of budgets, school loans and doctors bills I could afford about half of that. That being said- if anyone wants to purchase a MacBook Pro for me, I’ll *totally* take one.

We go tthe best deal out there! Found it first online at Best Buy and was thriled it was also in the store!

So, I set out on my journey. I decided that familiarity breeds productivity and that a Microsoft based operating system was really what I needed.  I actually hated (true story) Apple computers for years because I don’t like the system as well. I’ve heard so many times, “Ohhh once you get used to it you WILL NEVER GO BACK” like a crazy, snobby cult or something.

Having thoroughly shopped the different sections of both Walmart and Best Buy online, including Amazon.com,  and in person, I decided to get a laptop- just a basic laptop… or so I thought… I realized how many dozens of decisions needed to be made. See my whole shop on Google+ here…When it came down to it- my choice was between a Toshiba Ultrabook and the Asus that I got. They were the same price but overall the Asus was sturdier, had double the ram and had a core i7 verses the Ultrabooks’ core i3. It was a hard decision but I’m so happy with it!

Opening the box was such a strange and great experience! It was seriously a family ordeal as both Ben and my 15-year-old nephew Nate watched with jealousy. Ben kept trying to “help” me open the computer and set it up… in fact, I turned around for a minute at he had already snapped the battery into place! As I turned it on, Nate kept asking me how I liked it. Give me a minute… Of course then Bear and Bug were drawn in the room as well, brought in by the excited voices and happy energy in the dining room. I finally shooed them all away so I could have a moment… just me and Asus…

Check out below for more awesome pictures of my new friend! I love it! What do you think?! What is your favorite brand of computer and why?

I've NEVER opened a new computer before!

It's beautiful!

 

Energy Star rated, Windows 7, Intel Core i7… etc.. BUT the coolest thing? it has a sparkly keyboard!

Bug climbed on the table to see the computer better. Kinda rethinking declining the Best Buy warranty if my computer breaks...

 This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. #CBias Thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.