Mission #7, Day 2

Day 2 of Mission Week with florals.  I was tickled pink when I found this skirt at Rockin Robins, one of my favorite consignment shops in the area.  It happens to be on my way home from work . . .

I was actually sad when I saw these photos; they didn't come out as good as I would have liked.  And the reason it was such a bummer was because this was one of my favorite outfits lately!  It was very professional and stylish.

But c'est la vie, right?  I'm busy gearing up for another bummer--more snow.  Yep.  Tomorrow is the first day of May, which is usually a surefire sign that shorts season is upon us, and the forecast is snow.  Again.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to drown my sorrows in some Mongolian Tofu.  Sounds like a good way to end the night, eh?

Lace Floral Pencil Skirt-Worthington, thrifted; Chambray Button Down-thrifted; Black Sequined Heels-Target; Watch-gifted

<div class="FRANNIE-PANTZ-button" style="width: 175px; margin: 0 auto;"> <a href="http://www.franniepantz.blogspot.com"> <img src="http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n622/FranniePantz/MissionWeekButton_zpsc8f40ef5.jpg" alt="FRANNIE-PANTZ" width="175" height="239" /> </a> </div> <!--end button code box-->

Mission #7, Day 1

We are going to start off Mission Week with florals with this very pretty little number that I thrifted on Saturday.  I wore this last night to a very dear friend's wedding.

Chris and Dylan have been very good friends of mine since my sophomore year of high school.  Dylan got married in 2007, me in 2012 and Chris was the last to board the nuptial train this week.  The couple got the legal stuff out of the way and opted for just a fun reception instead of a wedding wedding.

These are some of the best weddings to attend.  They are all fun--just food, friends, drinks and informal fun. I don't often get time to visit with Dylan, his beautiful and fun wife Rachel, Chris and his new bride Vauna.  So any possible time to get together, joke around and reminisce is fun.

We met in high school while working at Subway.  Chris and Dylan had been best friends for several years before I met them.  They were a year older than I and went to different high school (in fact, they graduated with Patrick) and yet we managed to hang out nearly every night throughout the entirety of my high school career.

We were an odd trio, that's for sure.  Dylan and Chris were in band, church youth groups and knew all about computers.  They had good grades and clean records.  I, on the other hand, was the bad apple of the crew.  I was a skater/punk rocker/goth who smoked Marlboros, pierced my tongue and snuck out at night.  But we maintained our friendship then as well as now.  Congrats Chris and Vauna!

Watercolor Floral Dress-thrifted; Mustard Belted Cardigan-thrifted; Orange Suede Cutout Sandals-Payless; Earrings-gifted

<div class="FRANNIE-PANTZ-button" style="width: 175px; margin: 0 auto;"> <a href="http://www.franniepantz.blogspot.com"> <img src="http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n622/FranniePantz/MissionWeekButton_zpsc8f40ef5.jpg" alt="FRANNIE-PANTZ" width="175" height="239" /> </a> </div> <!--end button code box-->

Early Bird

After last weekend's chaos, I was really looking forward to taking it easy this weekend.  However, Patrick and I have at least something (wedding, birthday party, walks for causes, etc.) lined up every single weekend until June.

So when I got the email from Goodwill that it was half off Saturday, I didn't rush to make plans.  But when Sally told me that there were also 99 cent jean doorbusters, I set my alarm.  Not for me.  I have 37 pairs of jeans.  But Patrick and the kids could certainly use a re-up.

So early I rose.  I made a killing at Goodwill--several jeans and shirts and shorts for all!  And half off!  And an extra 20% for being a rewards member!  While I was at being up so early, I decided to make a morning of it for myself and go to the Farmer's Market while I was at it.  Patrick, the kids and I have grown an addiction to a certain Lemon White Chocolate bread.  Oh yes.  You heard right.  Amaaaaaazing. 

I was no sooner home and gloating about my tag poppin' than it was time to head out for my cousins' kids' birthday parties.  It was an absolutely gorgeous day and the party was at the park.  So I did the usual--photo stalked everyone, played with my nieces and nephews and hung out with my siblings. 

We laughed, we ate, we played kickball, I got some sun on my legs FINALLY and now I have cheese and nut stuffed shells in the oven.  A pretty freaking amazing Saturday if I do say so.  Totally worth the alarm. 

White Shorts-thrifted; Olive Button Down Blouse-thrifted; Yellow Moccasins-Target; Beaded Cuff-Kohl's; Earrings-gifted

Dear Frannie Friday--Kids and Technology

My kids, like all kids these days, love their fair share of technology.  It's really hard, but equally important to keep this as monitored as possible.  Here's how we do it:

Rule #1--Keep Everything Visible

Our family computer and the PS3 that is connected to the internet are both in the dining and living room, right where we can see them.  So whenever the kids are using those electronics, we can see exactly what they are doing.

2.  Utilize Parental Control

We have parental passwords on everything from Netflix to the Playstation to computers and we keep the password to ourselves.  It can be a pain in the ass sometimes, but it's worth the few minutes to have to approve something but it's worth it.

3.  Enlist in Help

Patrick works with computers (don't ask me to explain his job, I don't even get it).  He used Microsoft Family Safety and set up profiles for each of the kids on the computer.  Now not only does the internet restrict the kids from certain sites, but we get a weekly email showing how much time each kid spends on the internet, what sites they visited, what sites they tried to get to but were restricted from and even what words they Googled.

Keeping your kiddos safe in the digital world of the unknown is of utmost importance.  

Do you have further questions on this or have a new question to submit for Dear Frannie Fridays? Send it to me at franniepantz@hotmail.com!

Striped Capri Pants-gifted by Lynne; Mustard Ruffle Button Down-Kohl's; Leather Bomber Jacket-Target; Cognac Knotted Peep Toe Booties-Charlotte Russe; Leopard Print Cuff-Kohl's; Yellow Hoops-gifted

Thursday Mixer--White Blazer

Today's Thursday Mixer is to prove a point to an attorney in my office.  One of his clients came in and was commenting on how much she loved my dress.  I told her (vaguely, of course) about my blog and told her that most of what I wear is thrifted.  "Like this blazer," I explained, "that I got for $6 two years ago and I've worn it like 20 times!" 

The attorney in question happened to walk by at that moment and guffawed.  "Ha," he says, "You've never worn a piece of clothing twenty times!"  Knowing he was probably close to accurate, I answered, "Yes I do but you people don't realize it because I wear it with different stuff.  It's like camouflage."   

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Now

As you can see, I didn't make it to a documented 20, but 8 times in 2 years still brings the cost per wear of this blazer down to  $0.75.  Not too shabby.  And the great thing about this white blazer is how well it works in nearly every season and with so much in my closet--from dresses to jeans to skirts to shorts to trousers.

I just love figuring out that a piece I've thrifted for pennies on the dollar can stretch so far--don't you?  Have you thrifted any staples?

Pear Print Shift Dress-c/o eShakti; White Blazer-Ann Taylor, thrifted; Cognac Knee High Boots-thrifted and gifted; Earrings-gifted

Giving Credit

These photos were taken a few weeks back--between snows.  We haven't gotten rid of all our snow, but we're getting closer.  I took these photos at The Callahan House, where Patrick and I got married last September.

I love going here to take my photos.  It is so nostalgic and takes me right back to the day I married my best friend.  I remember how amazing I felt that day, how much fun it was, when I saw Patrick pull up with Kaden and Conner and feeling such pride in watching it all come together. 

Patrick and I are a really fun couple (if I do say so myself).  We don't get all mushy, but we really show our appreciation for each other all the time.  I can't tell you how much better he has made my life and the kids' lives since he was a part of it.  

Often times, these acts of thoughtfulness make it on the blog.  Sometimes they don't.  For example, Patrick does the dishes every single night.  On the 8th of every month, he has flowers delivered to me or brings them home with him (we were married on September 8th).  He is adopting my oldest son (more on that later).  

He doesn't leave the house or hang up the phone without saying I love you.  He tells me I'm beautiful every day.  He is a great listener, he gets my jokes and he is as quick witted as I am.  He respects his mother and sister and teaches my boys to do the same. 

Even though I know I mention Patrick frequently in my posts, I just can't say enough great things about him.  Sometimes I think that people just think I'm sugar coating or even making up how great our relationship is, but it is every bit of that and more.  I am so very lucky to have him.

*As I type this Patrick is cleaning and organizing our bedroom and making a special corner for me to have a dress up area in.  This shit is legit. 

Orange Sequined Tank Dress-c/o Goodwill clothing swap; Button Down Chambray-Lee; Gold Skinny Belt-thrifted; Gold Sequined Smoking Slippers-Target; Straw Woven Tote-thrifted; Earrings-gifted

Share the Covers--Hard For Me To Say I'm Sorry

The original by Chicago . . .

And the awesomely harmonious cover by Az Yet . . .

These photos were from last week but they still fit because it was still snowing today.  But around 2 it started clearing up and now the sun is shining bright!  We've even got a promising 80 degree weekend coming up! 

I think this cover song was meant for spring to all of us in Colorado.  It's been annoying, yes, but in the end, our grass will be nice and green from the precipitation.   The soil will be nice and soggy.  And we will appreciate our nice actual springy days that much more.

It's ok, Spring.  I forgive you.  Just promise we're done with snow until Winter.  Cause seriously, enough's enough. 

Floral Lime Green and White Skirt-Old Navy, thrifted; Lime Green Button Down Shirt-gifted; Light Brown Cardigan-Kohl's; Dark Brown Sweater Tights-Kohl's; Tawny Knee High Boots-thrifted and gifted; Earrings-Kohl's; Elephant Cuff-vintage