RAMBLINGS OF A MONDAY AFTERNOON

Happy, happy Monday!

Here's what's brewin'...

1.  Have you guys ever heard of Kinesio tape?  It's truly one of the most amazing things ever!  It's been such a huge relief for my back.  Whenever things start to tense up and pinch, I just slap a couple pieces on for a few days and voila!  Relief!  Some days, I think it could even fix the economy!

2.  Went shopping this weekend.  Yay!  Especially "yay" because I had some extra income last week that made it possible.  There were only two things on my list, and I got them both (well, will have them both soon) - trench coat and brogues (finally!).

3.  Anyone else ready for spring?  I'm so sick of being immobilized by my giant, but necessary, winter coat.  I'd even take 40-50 degree weather for another six months if it meant I didn't have to wear a big ass cocoon every day.

4.  So, I'm about 20 minutes late for the party, but I finally listened to some Lady Gaga this morning. Must.  Have. More.

5.  On that note, I'd really like to start listening to Mary J. Blige.  For those of you who are fans, which album should I start with?  Thanks in advance!

WRAPPED UP IN AWESOME

Remember that new vintage sweater I mentioned earlier in the week?  Well, here she is.  Isn't she awesome?  I've been searching for a sweater exactly like this for some time now and I mentioned it to the owner of our local vintage shop and she said she had something like that at the seamstress.  So, I asked her to hold it for me, and once I saw it, I took it on the spot.  I didn't even try it on.  It's perfect!  So, I immediately styled it up and set this outfit aside for today.  And I'll be honest - I'm totally going to wear it tomorrow, too.  But instead of shorts, a skirt - and instead of a turtleneck, a deep V tee or maybe an oxford.

The tights were actually much darker than they photographed.  But, now they're in the garbage, because I ripped a hole in the back of them - most likely on a kitchen chair this morning.  It's the first pair of tights I've ruined in a long, long time, so I can't be too upset about it.

I got a lot of inquiries about this painting yesterday, and I think it deserves its own post.  So, check back this weekend for the full scoop.

Once again, it was way cold today.  So, indoor pictures it is.  Although, funny story - I got up the this morning and immediately went for a run.  I had to go someplace and just figured I'd run there.   I knew it was cold, but I was thinking it was in the 20's.  Well ... it wasn't until I got home and was perusing Facebook over breakfast that I noticed a weather related status message from a local friend.  I couldn't believe what it said, but after confirming the status with weather.com, I realized that it was actually only 10*F, but "felt like" -3*.  Oops ... that explained the fiery red of my skin when I got home.  But ... I survived!

Sweater: The Rage and Bone vintage, store credit - Turtleneck: Kohl's, $2 

Jean shorts: Thrifted & DIYed, $4 - Boots: Target, $35

T IS FOR TEAL

Wow!  Three days straight wearing crazy tights!  Tuesday was leopard, Wednesday was maroon and today, I give you teal.  These were a Christmas gift from a co-worker.  I was so happy to get them.  It was the most perfect, inexpensive gift that showed that she knows me and knows what I like and what my style is.  It was even a little bit of an inside joke, since I turned her on to colored tights this winter, which was a big deal for her!  To me, that's the best kind of gift.

Indoor pictures today, kids.  It was C-O-L-D today.  The wind was wicked - and still is.  I think all that mild weather over the last couple of weeks has thinned my blood.

The hair is a big ole' unwashed pile on top of my head.  It was mainly in an attempt to be ready to get out the door before John, so that I could prove to him that I could.  He was on my case for "playing on the computer" after breakfast instead of getting ready, implying that I would be late.  Well ... I showed him!

This shirt gets so little wear for some reason.  I think I just have a hard time styling it or something, but it was the perfect top for this outfit.  I wanted to let the skirt and tights scream speak for themselves, so I kept the rest pretty simple.  I had a wider patent belt on when I left this morning and as I was sitting in the car, it dawned on me that this studded little pretty would have been so much better!  So, when I came home for lunch, I swapped them.  Now, it's perfect!

Shirt: JCP, $12 - Skirt: Thrifted and altered, $4 - Tights: Hue, gift - Belt: Express, $10 - Shoes: JCP, $8

HAPPY, HAPPY, HUMP DAY!

I am having a banner week this week.  And for no particular reason!

I think I'm just happy.  One thing I will say is that I've been really on top of my exercise and making sure to fit it in every day.  And, MAN, does it make me feel good!  I love the energy I get from working out.  And, let's be honest, I love my body when I'm working out.  Feeling healthy and strong is one of the most exhilarating feelings ever!

I stumbled across this combination while playing dress up in my closet a few weeks ago and tucked it in the back of my mind for future use. Well, kids, today is the future ... apparently.

I'm in love with all these colors and it struck the perfect chord of comfy and pulled-together.  I'm starting to think this blog should be called "comfy and pulled together" - I've  been saying it a lot lately.

Hope you are all having a fabulous week!

P.S. Those white streaks are snowflakes.  It kind of looks like Star Wars, no?

P.P.S.  I got my necklace from Linda.  I love it!

Skirt: Thrifted and hemmed, $2 - Sweater: BonTon, $21 - Tights: Hue, $4 - Shoes: JCP, $5ish

BACK TO OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAMMING

And just like that, the nice, semi-warm weather is gone.  Once again, we woke up to a dusting of the white stuff today.  Not only was it quite a bit chillier than the last week, but it's windy as all get out, too.  I hate that!

It may be cold, but I'm still sporting the short sleeves.  Crazy, I know, but I have a meeting this afternoon in a very warm room.  I've learned my lesson about layering too much on Tuesdays - that is, do it and you'll sweat bullets.  I did, however, grab John's cardigan on my way out the door.  Just in case ...

Speaking of cozy sweaters, I got SUCH a cool vintage shawl collar cardigan today!  I'm so stoked to wear it!  Wheee!

Dress: Sears, $9 - Tights: TJ Maxx, $5ish - Boots: Target, $35

BIG GIRL SWEATS

Since most of today was spent camped out on my living room floor with my laptop in front of me, I was all about comfort.  But even when I'm working at home with no one around, I like to at least feel pulled together.  So, this is what I would call my big girl sweats: soft (and over-sized) sweatshirt, soft (and over-sized) scarf, soft (and over-sized) chinos.

I did have to go to work this evening, so I put on a pair of boots, a belt and a drapey cardigan in place of the sweatshirt.  It was still casual, but more work appropriate.

But once I walked through the front door after work, I ran straight upstairs and slipped into my zebra striped flannel PJ's.  And now I'm going to watch ER on DVD and eat an ICS.*

Sweatshirt: free from work - Scarf: H&M, $10 - Chinos: Target, $6 - Mocs: Minnetonka, $37

*ICS = Ice Cream Sandwich - I was on an acronym roll :)

RAMBLINGS OF A MONDAY AFTERNOON

Today has pretty much been a perfect 10, and it went something like this:

1. I went to bed at 9:30 last night!  I wasn't sick or anything, I was just tired and being unproductive and eating to stay awake.  One thought about how nice it would be to feel really well rested, and I couldn't resist dragging my sorry butt to bed.  Eleven hours later, I woke up - and it was glorious!

2.  I went to Goodwill this morning and bought 2 pairs of wool trousers (stay tuned for some awesome DIYing) and a vintage little boy's white Wrangler shirt with snaps and pointy pockets and everything.  My three purchases, plus a $1 donation to Goodwill came to a grand total of $1.87.  Yay for red tags today!

While there, I saw some serious crazy.  I don't know what was going on, but the place was jumpin' with a whole lotta insane folk.  Though, the fact that I was standing outside waiting for the doors to open (new hours = a later opening and I didn't know) may make me just as crazy.  Whatever ... I got deals!

3.  I got to take an awesome run outside in the unseasonably warm 50* weather in January!  It was a little rainy, but enjoyable none the less.

4.  My dad recently got a new job and was in the area today on business.  We got to meet for a lovely chat over tea and butter cookies.  Sounds so proper, doesn't it?  It was a quick visit, but always nice to catch up.

5.  I got mail today!  My little brother sent us a letter from basic training.  It was awesome.

This may not sound like the a perfect 10 to you, but for me, it's just an awesome day when I get to relax, be productive and enjoy some peace and quiet every now and again.

Happy Monday!