Nip - Tuck at Talbot's

Looking forward to the weekend. Nothing special planned but I do have a Book Club meeting on Saturday, and then I need to do alot of work on the Family Reunion on Sunday. Not to mention that I do have a few items on my checklist for Ryan's First Birthday Party.... so many things to do - not enough hours in the day.


TODAY
I know that I can and should take some things to the tailor for a little nip and tuck. Well I ordered this shirt from Talbots a few weeks ago and the sleeve length just wasnt right. I took it to the tailor and got a little nip tuck by cutting the sleeves to 3/4 and I love it!!

Top (tailored for 3/4 sleeves)-Talbots; jeanie pants-Burlington Coat Factory

YESTERDAY
Here is my attempt at pattern mixing. A dotted top with this lovely printed skirt. I purchased this skirt at Talbot's a few weeks ago and this needs a little nip tuck. I think the length is a little longer than I would prefer for my shape and height. So I will be getting it chopped off at the bottom.

jacket-giveaway bag from Aunt; dotted tank-LaneBryant; skirt-Talbot's

Midweek - Sneak Peak

I know that I have been waiting until the end of the week to post my looks for the entire week. But I had a little free time, so I snatched it to give you all a look at my outfits for the past two days.
Today


Dress - Avenue (Score at $19.99, I wish I had purchased more dresses that day - but Im cutting back)
I really liked this dress because it brings to mind that obi belt that I have been wanting for a looooong time!

Yesterday

Dress-Ross (a little something I snagged in South Carolina. Super Score at $11.99)
I did like this dress - I did not like that I forgot my earrings, lol.

BFF Overnight Sleepover

My BFFs and I spent a night out in Alexandria, VA. we got a hotel room and dipped out.. if only for one night.

Top-Ross; Bermuda shorts-Talbots
On Saturday, the weather was a little gloomy and rainy but that didnt stop us.  We started the adventure with breakfast at Bob Evans.
We arrived in Alexandria and checked into the Hotel Monaco-Alexandria. We loved it. Everything in the hotel was lovely. I wish I could add a bunch of hotel photos here, but you can check that out for yourself at the link. When we were done checking in - we hit the streets.  We went for a little stroll a few blocks along the main King Street. We shopped a little - stopped in a few consignment boutiques (I really want to own one of these one day) and got some shoes from Ross (I will be doing a full inspiration week with a pair I purchased). And then we headed back to relax before dinner.  we decided on the Burger Joint. Sounds crazy - but it was goooood! After dinner we wanted to go to the pool, but it was filled with youngsters watching a cartoon - we went back to the room to relax instead.

On Sunday, we just relaxed before finally getting dressed and heading out to brunch on the waterfront. It was an ok, meal, but the company was awesome! BFF Yolanda, got BFF Court and I hooked on Instagram.. I might just join Twitter next, lol. and then we headed back to reality. I updated my FB status to read "There is nothing like a BFF sleepover. We need one of these monthly"

top-LaneBryant; jean/capris-Cut off jeans (Ralph Lauren)

We had a great time .. and I love them soooo much!

As he grows - 11 months (pics heavy)

Eleven Months
These are pics that we plan to use on his birthday party invitation.. So he is a bit early for his birthday celebration, lol
Weight: more than 20 pounds
Diaper Size: 3
Drinks: 4-7oz at each feeding; Ryan still likes pretty much anything you give him to eat. He eats his veggies as well as his snacks. And he has had yogurt and a little icecream too. Sometimes he drinks one less formula bottles during the day.
Wearing: 12 months (and he should be wearing some 18 months too)

Since Ryan has been pulling up and moving along his dad purchased him a walker for his 11month birthday. Not sure that he will be walking for his birthday but that suuurely wont stop him from getting around. He doesnt really like the walker all that much becasue it inhibits his mobility. When he is in the walker he cant get into as much stuff.

More pics from the Mommy Photoshoot








... yes, pics overload, yet again. But oh well. I hope he made you smile as much as he does for us. Ofcourse we think he is adorable.. and full of joy!

Wedding Day - Michelle and Dwain Daniels

Because i am soooo behind in posting, i'll use this as an anniversary post- 3 month anniversary that is, lol ... Three months ago on April 21, my soror and friend Michelle Atkins married the love of her life and all around stand up guy Dwain Daniels. Hubby and I were honored to be invited and able to attend this lovely union of familes and lives in a loving ceremony in Long Island, New York.

As Im sure I mentioned after her bridal shower, I was very excited to attend Michelle's wedding. Michelle is one of the sweetest and most caring people that I know. She is genuine with a huge heart with love and compassion for many people. So ofcourse my wish for her would be that she would find a soulmate to compliment all that i know her to be. I met Dwain at Robyn's wedding and since Im a great judge of character, I knew that he was a nice guy with the same caring spirit and genuiness about him. Ofcourse Michelle had already told me about Dwain so I knew that she was very much in love with her new fiance!

The lovely couple, Mr and Mrs Dwain and Michelle Daniels


Hubby and I


My line sisters


Sorors, sorors, and more sorors



When we get together there is non-stop laughter, and this event was no diffent. Sadly, Michelle was the bride so she missed some of the laughs. But the recap is just as amusing to all of us!! We could laugh at some of the same stuff for hours.



... And one of the best pics of the night ...
The Sigma Husbands

They joked about being their own fraternity with hand signs and everything, it was sooo funny. Even funnier, none of them are greek!!! But they have been able to appreciate the sisterhood and bonds that we "Sigma Woman" have. It takes a special man to be able to appreciate the unity of sorority sisters especially if the husband is not greek himself. Sadly there was no sweetheart song for Dwain (the bride or the groom didnt want it, and the other husbands were not happy that Dwain wasnt tortured [they called it being 'jumped in'] as they had been) but I would still include Dwain in any Husband event, he is now officially one of us!!! ... And when he said "I do" to Michelle, a while host of sisters came with her.

Five Shades of Torrid Inspiration

I didnt follow all the looks in order, but I did atleast attempt each one.
Torrid has some hot looks in this collection! and I noticed that I dont have very much "coral" in my wardrobe. I was inspired by Torrid's - Five Shades of Torrid collection.

Friday - Stripe Tease

This is an oldie - Dress-LaneBryant; shrug - Gift from BFF Court
In honor of an exciting weekend with my BFFs, Igrabbed this shrug to wear today as a change of plans. I had an entire other outfit selected for today.. BUT, one thing I know - there is pleeeeeenty of stripes in my closet.
Inspired by this look


Thursday - Laced Up


Top-AshleyStewart; capris-Macys; shoes-Marshall's
Yup, another revelation - I dont have any lace items either. I found a few winter things.. but this (and another item) are the only pieces I was able to find.
Inspired by this look


Wednesday - Coral Contract (Coral and Navy color combo)

Top-AshleyStewart; skirt and bracelet-LaneBryant; necklace-holiday gift swap (BookClub)
Funny - I come to work and my Assistant PM is wearing the saaaame exaaact color shirt! Who sent him the memo, lol...One of my coworkers complimented my look today. She said this color, coral, is really nice on me.  Another coworker tried to snatch my necklace and my bracelet. I guess this was a good look. However, I did pull my sleeves up for the workplace - off the shoulders is a little inappropriate (in my opinion, lol).
Inspired by this look


Tuesday - Golden Rule

dress-AshleyStewart
I got sooo many compliments on this dress. Everyone loved my burst of sunshine!
Shoes - Kmart - I had to add this note. I purchased these shoes one day on a shopping outing with my Grandfather. I sure miss that old man. I got them for $8. And they are really cute, fun and comfy. I need to add them more into the rotation... maybe next weeks inspiration will be my Grandfather - or these shoes, lol.
Inspired by this look


Monday - Claws On - Animal Print

Top and capris-AshleyStewart
I wore this look to a photoshoot.  I cant WAIT to share the pics with you - if the person will let me.
Inspired by this look

Torrid Inspiration

This week, I was inspired by an advertisement I saw on Torrid.com
I recreated a few of these looks based on colors or style.
Some were a match, others were just "inspired by" Take a look and tell me what you think.


Friday

Top-Khols; Cargo Capris-Avenue
Inspired by this look



Thursday

Top-LaneBryant; Skirt-FashionBug
Inspired by this look


Wednesday


Dress - SimplyFashion; Jacket - AshleyStewart
Inspired by this look


Tuesday

Dress-LaneBryant
Inspired by this look ...


... and next week stay tuned for looks inspired by the next Torrid Lookbook - Five Shades of Torrid

Summer Vacation - July 2012 (Pics Heavy)

We had a busy summer vacation this year. And it was even busier taking a 10 month old along for the ride. But he was an excellent co-pilot. Ryan took his first plane ride on thursday night. He and Hubby played games on the ipad and took plenty of funny photos.




Friday - Charleston,SC
South Carolina Aquarium


Top-Avenue; Capris-Macys

... later that night at the hotel, Ryan and Daddy had a great time playing with the iPad


Saturday - Charleston, SC
The Children's Museum
... while waiting for his breakfast, this is what Ryan wanted to snack on, lol


Top-TJMaxx; Shorts-Marshall's


Fun Times at the Children's Museum


Sightseeing (driving tour)
as we were driving along, these are some of the beautiful homes that we saw.

I have vowed to go back during a time when its not so warm, and we can actually tour some of the historic homes.

Sunday - Bluffton, SC
Arrival at Berkeley Hall

Top-Avenue; Capris-Lane Bryant

Hubby golfing



Monday - pool lounging



Tuesday - Hilton Head,SC and Savannah,GA
Sightseeing and dinner at The Lady & Sons

Dress-SimplyFashion


The Person Family


Wednesday - BarBQ and Fireworks
Happy Birthday Hubby

Dress-Dots


... and this was his first time in grass, lol

"What is this stuff Mommy???"



Thursday - shopping and relaxing



Friday - Charleston, SC
Airplane ride back to Baltimore

Top-Avenue, Capris-Talbots




Whew! ... now Im ready to plan the next vacation!!