A Very Cold Spring.

After a run of about five nice, warm days, I decided it was safe to put away all of the winter clothes.  Since I don't have a basement or an extra bedroom for storage, and our closets and dressers are stuffed, I have to "rotate" every season.  I used to be able to just store my seasonal clothing in cedar closets in my basement, but I don't have that luxury any more.  I didn't even really need to use bins since there was so much closet space.  I could just move my clothes, hangers and all, from the upstairs to the downstairs.  Sometimes, I didn't even make the transition--I just went into the basement when I needed something to wear.  Still, it seemed like everything was in disarray if I didn't do a monthly closet cleaning.  More space means more mess.  I'm convinced of that.

Being in a smaller place means I have to be organized, and I have to have a plan.  Having a six-foot teenager in the house helps greatly.  He's strong and has taken on the job of organizing the attic.  If I need something out of there, he usually knows right where it is.  I took down my Easter decorations and since that bin needed to go in the attic, I went ahead and put my daughters winter clothing away too.  I filled two bins with her sweaters and put the lightweight sweaters that can still be worn in the dresser that she has in the laundry room.  This is in addition to the huge dresser I bought for her bedroom.  As she reminds me often, it's my fault.  I buy all this stuff.

I also filled a bin with hats, scarves and gloves, keeping a few pairs of gloves available for early morning soccer games.  While putting the clothing away, my son brought down our summer clothes, and two boxes that held "who knows what".  I know now.  One bin was full of his sister's pajama pants.  She was so over it that she said to just give them away.  Honestly, she still has pj's from 7th grade but they still fit, so they're still here.  The other bin was an awesome find.  With the winter stuff put away, I decided to check the weather report.  My heart sank---50 degrees?  Well it could be worse, and I'd just discovered the contents of the other box.  Sweaters!  Corduroys!  She's been looking for these since November!  Also in the box were three great blazers, including her favorite herringbone one.  She now has basically a whole "new" wardrobe to finish out these last two weeks of winter.  After that, it's spring and I don't care what the thermometer says.

I apparently have forgotten what 50 degrees feels like, because I went out with just a sweater on.  I planned to spend the day in one of my favorite places, Oak Park Illinois!  I PLANNED to get some work done in the library.  I PLANNED to take a lot of pictures.  I PLANNED to be dressed appropriately, which I was not.  As I ran in and out of stores, I wanted to kick myself, but that's hard to do when you're running unless you are extremely flexible/clumsy.

First stop, Whole Foods.  I really planned to make this my last stop, but I needed to send a few emails out and I was starting to get a headache.  I grocery shopped, and got a bowl of soup.  Before heading to the car, I sat in the cafe and ate my soup, checked my mail, and checked that weather forecast again.  It was actually closer to 40.  That's why my sweater wasn't doing the trick.  Once I headed out again, I saw much smarter people wearing coats, boots and gloves.  On April 21.  Cold weather never ceases to annoy me, especially when it's unexpected.  This would have been a great time for a hot flash, but they eluded me all day.  All Day.  That never happens and today when I needed my internal space heater, the darn thing stopped working.

The library was apparently hosting a toddler story time because the parking lot was full of oversized SUV's with car seats and tv screens.  I could have parked outside, but there was this little issue of me not having a coat and I didn't feel that I could make the mad dash with my computer bag in tow.  I found a space by a park and sat in the car working for over an hour.  Next stop:  Find a thrift store.  I know I shouldn't.  I promised I wouldn't.  I decided to pass up the "chains" and find a little off-the-beaten path store.  I wasn't disappointed.  I found a place called Bronco Resale and it was the most fun I've had thrifting in a while.  The store wasn't too crowded and there were some great collectibles buried behind other not-so-collectibles.  I really took my time, even though my bladder was telling me it was time to move along.  I flash but I don't leak so I forged ahead.  One of my favorites for today was a "ceramic wrapped in yarn" owl.

I also found a couple of great decanters, including one with a dancing ballerina music box right inside the bottle.  I passed it up at first, then wisely went back for it.  I was really trying to deny myself, but I wanted it, and I knew it was special.  How do I know that?  Because Google says it is, of course.  Add in a Pyrex saucepan with a glass handle, a thermal carafe with tortoiseshell, and a couple of candleholders, and it was a great little haul.  

My bladder starting talking a little louder and I decided Target would be a safe public place to find a decent bathroom, and I was right.  I didn't stay there long, because I can always find something that I don't need but buy anyway at Target.  On my list, but didn't happen:  Pictures.  I later remembered the Goodwill bag in the back of the car which contains--you guessed it--a coat.  My day didn't really have to be ruined if I'd just given the situation a little more thought.  To appease myself, I stopped at an Italian bakery for a dozen (or so) cookies.  My day was over, it was time to get my daughter from work and head home.  I'm going to try this again one day soon, and darnit, I'm going to be prepared.  And I'm going back to Bronco!

About This Outfit...

 I tried my best to be okay with this snake choker.  It's a vintage Mexican silver piece, and it's so unique.  I know a lot of people who would take it off my hands and they probably will have the opportunity.  As much as I like it, I really don't wear necklaces, and certainly not chokers.  I felt like I was going to choke---literally.  After a few pictures, I told my daughter to take it off of me.  Like, NOW!  I would love this on someone else, but in addition to being Uber-Uncomfortable, I'm not even that crazy about how it looks on me.  Not my thing.  I'm crazy for accessories, but my neck needs to stay unemcumbered.  I can sometimes handle a scarf but I'm fidgeting with it the whole time it's on.

Chokers actually choke.  Who ever thought this up?

Is she hiding something behind that bag?  

 Necklace free for me!  Much better.  I need the neck lengthening effect of a scoop or v-neck and no choker to interrupt the line.  I know this. Remember my speech about staying in your lane (fashionably speaking)?  The choker was over the yellow line. I stashed it in my purse and kept on posing.  The clutch is from a fashion swap, the shoes are freebies from my niece's castoff pile, the t-shirt is my absolute favorite one, from Savers.  It's actually a little small, so I slit it up the back with the intent of somehow merging it with another favorite tee.  It's all done in my head, but nowhere else.  Here's hoping that the two men living next door weren't home because my back is completely out.

Yes, I definitely am hiding something behind that bag.
It's called a stomach.

I'm wearing a Mexican silver ring (hoarder house!) and I'm most happy with the skirt that I made from a piece of cloth I picked up at an estate sale.  It's a printed cotton fabric from Africa, called "kanga".  The writing, which is in Swahili loosely translates as "if you can dream it, you can achieve it".  I dreamed of a skirt made from it long before I ever knew what it said.  I had this skirt in my head many nights as I drifted off to sleep.  I'm so glad it's finally hanging in my closet so that I can get busy obsessing over something else.  

I even exposed my awful DIY haircut.  My sister actually took me out and bought me a wig today.  Could she be any more subtle?  I really need a teeny bit of growth and soon.  Summer is coming and me + wig = extreme discomfort.  No can do.

After my five minute photo shoot, I found myself in the middle of an impromptu family get-together, as the newest family member, little, adorable, six-month-old Manny came by for a visit and word got around quickly.  I had twelve more people in the house than I'd expected.  It was great-- we talked, ate, played soccer and spoiled the baby.  I wore my awesome skirt. I couldn't ask for a better day.

Launch Day!

I just made it official!  After testing my new product and getting rave reviews, I'm moving forward with my product, Foot Beer.  What is that?  It's an all-natural foot soak that cleanses, detoxifies, exfoliates, kills fungus, relaxes and soothes.  It takes just 20 minutes (longer if you're loving it!) and is added to two quarts of warm water.  Just "Keep Calm and Soak Your Feet"!  

I've been soaking my feet since I was a kid.  Sometimes I'd just sit on the side of the tub with my feet soaking in warm water.  I'm sure this is something I picked up from my mom, but its always been a comforting ritual.  I never really considered the health benefits until I started experiencing severe foot pain and was looking for a way to relieve it.  My old tried-and-true really helped me heal!  I also have severe dry skin due to a thyroid issue and I need to exfoliate on a regular basis.  After months of research and several "batches", Foot Beer was born in my kitchen.  The name happened because of a God-given love of and flair for words.  I just had this catchy phrase trademarked and I'm stepping out on faith y'all!

 Now I just need to quit "soaking up the profits".  My teenage son has gotten in on it and now wants to have a "beer" after his soccer games.  As long as it's just his feet that are drinking, I'm a happy mom, I just need to watch my inventory.  Bottles, labels, caps...I was up until 4a.m. making the first batch that I took out to sell.  I definitely need to streamline the process, especially since I have two other businesses that I'm running from home.  All of this hasn't yet translated into big dollars, but this is what I've always wanted to do, just keep busy by creating, making, designing and decorating.   And to think, it's almost time to plant my flowers too...can it get any better? 

An Easter Story.

 I usually have a "Super Sunday" outfit posted on Facebook, in an effort to continue my commitment to "shopping my closet".  Today, Easter Sunday, can you believe that I didn't have an outfit to post?  Well, it went a little something like this:

I had a busy weekend.  I ended up cooking dinner for my family, including siblings and nieces and nephews.  I bought my son a shirt and tie and had to return to the store because the shirt was too big.  My daughter had a hair appointment downtown Chicago.  She also had a doctor appointment.  My son had a soccer game.  I had a plumber coming in to reseal my toilet.  I had a Good Friday service to attend.  I had to sing.  I had prescriptions to get filled.  I had a suit that needed to go to the cleaners.  I washed it instead.  (Didn't ruin it, but boy does it need ironing!)  My nephew came over with suits for himself and his two sons that needed to be hemmed.  I had to arrange last-minute travel for work.  I grocery shopped.  I baked a cake.  I ordered some hair ornaments for my niece which came in at the last minute (before a college tour) and had to take them to her and she doesn't live nearby.  And I'll just stop there.  I had a few options for Easter, but went with the easiest one of the bunch.  A two-piece dress with black pumps.  And my newest ever-present accessory, the bad hair day hat.  A long story regarding the necessity of this accessory, but let's just say that I went a little overboard with the DIY haircuts.  I'm always cutting my hair, but this time I really messed it up.  I basically have no hair at all, except for the few locks you can see in the front.  While I wait for my prayer for a half inch of growth to be answered, I fashioned this hat out of an old t-shirt.  I'll be wearing it, and others like it for the next month or so.  I'll give it a little pop with the occasional flower or brooch.  And I'll wait for my hair to come back.  My wardrobe choices are limited now by what works with the hat, thus my Easter outfit was one of a few choices, but not my first choice.  I didn't even take any pictures today.  I'm mad at myself, lol.  

Before the weekend went berserk, I had a pretty peaceful Friday.  I had my daughter take a picture of my completely unplanned outfit, with the hat and flower.  I bought this velvet skirt with it's $98 price tag still attached, for just $2.  I felt like velvet-wearing time was running out, but it was perfect for a 50 degree day and I think I'll be wearing it again soon.  You know I love a bias-cut skirt.  It has just the right amount of schwing!  Being super critical of how clothes look on me, I have found that I am never disappointed with this style.  Once you find something that works, stick with it.  This works for me. 

Great Good Friday!

Church was great, dinner afterwards with the family was fun as always, and seeing my mom with all her children and grandchildren around her (when she's at her happiest) is always worth the trouble.  We were even able to watch my nephew singing on television.   I have no complaints.  Family, Faith, Fellowship.  It's all good!

All Things New.

I found this gorgeous picture online today.  I could look at it for days.  I love nature, I love symmetry and I love clear things, like glass, glass beads, or water that looks like glass beads.  It's really amazing.  

Last week I noticed the spring bulbs popping up, and the birds have been making a lot of noise.  Despite the weather, it's obvious that spring is near.  We've even seen a couple of near 60 degree days this week, so it even feels like spring.  The fact that it's supposed to get back into the 40's tomorrow means absolutely nothing, except that it's not up to me or you to decide what happens and when.  Trust.

I also realized today that we have three graduations in the family!  All boys...one from 8th grade, one from high school, and one who is getting his Masters' Degree.  God is Good!  My mom, at age 90, still gets to witness her "babies", one by one, graduate from first one school, then another.  She remarked last year that all of her adult grandchildren have graduated from college.  She's certainly seen a lot of things change.  And I'm starting to get used to change as well.  

Once my son graduates, he'll be off to college in August.  I won't be able to count shuttling him around to school, practice and other activities among my things to do each day.  I'm really thinking about what I'll do to fill the time besides more work.  I have tons of ideas, but what will I actually be able to make myself do?  This has to be my last year for stalling because regardless of how much time we have left, we're all still running out of it.  I have a million things to do.  Okay, at least 100, and that's a conservative estimate.

In an ill-advised moment last week, I cut my hair.  Nothing new, except I decided to cut all of it.  It was uneven, falling out, dry and brittle.  I cut everything but a small patch in the front, to peek out from under whatever hat, scarf or wig I can find.  As for now I'm just staying inside.  At this rate, I won't emerge until June.  My hot flashes are in full force again too, which makes the lack of hair quite convenient but still quite impulsive and dumb.  Changes.  I can't wait for some new hair.

What else is new?  I took a couple of steps forward on a new business idea and even while I'm waiting for phone calls and emails, I have had another several ideas.  They keep coming!  I have to settle on something(s) or get some partners.  I can't do this by myself!  But I have completed several tasks that really needed to happen, so I'm giving myself a little credit for that.  I still have several pieces of furniture to paint, a garden to start and a hallway to paint, things that have absolutely nothing to do with work, but I find myself pining away for the "fun" stuff like digging around in the dirt, and splattering paint all over my clothes.  If I can make it work, my work will be tons of fun too.  That's fair, and what all of us deserve. 

Next blog post, I'll share some project...sewing, thrifting, cooking, painting...you know me.  Today though, I'm just thinking about new.