On the Fly

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Even though the photos of this outfit came out under my expectations, I was actually quite taken with it.  I loved the casual (and comfy!) vibe with the shoes and the mix of bright colors and dark neutrals. 

So, Patrick's birthday is on Sunday.  Last year I threw him an epic surprise party.  Epic.  For his thirtieth.  This year, I think, we are planning something a little more low key.

My birthday is eight days after Patrick's.  This makes it convenient on several levels.  One of which is that we can kind of group our presents together.  

This year we've opted to, in lieu of buying each other a gift, we are going to take a little weekend away.  We're not sure where we're going yet, but it will be away and relaxing.  Now that's what I'm talking 'bout.

So, my younger kids will be going to their dad's this weekend and will not be around for Pat's birthday.  We had several appointments and chores to do after I got off of work (like usual), one of which was to get milk at the store.  

On our way to the dairy section, we passed by some cakes in the bakery.  Suddenly, my kids had a great idea.  We would get a cake for Patrick to surprise him with it when he got home.  

On Tuesdays and Thursdays Patrick has appointments with his personal trainer and gets home on the later side, so even though we didn't get home until 7, we still had plenty of time to prep our surprise.  

The kids decorated the cake, we got candles and we hid it in the microwave.  When Patrick got home, we were just sitting down to dinner.  So, we sat down and had dinner as usual.  I had prepped the kids several times (especially my daughter) about the importance of keeping the cake a surprise for Patrick until after dinner.

After dinner, I asked Brielle to take Patrick downstairs to her room to "show him something" so that I could take the cake out and light the candles.  After repeatedly asking why, I finally convinced her to do it.  Next thing I hear is Brielle telling Patrick "Patrick-come down stairs with me." Patrick-"why?" Brielle-"Because we are making a surprise for you."  Oh well, at least the cake was good.  I mean really, she held out as long as she could.  

Zipper Chocolate colored Sweater-Kohl's; Plaid Shirtdress-Kohl's; Mustard Tights-Target; Canvas Flats-BUM, thrifted; Earrings and Cuff-Kohl's

Winds Day

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Um, has anyone tried to fill a prescription as of late?  It had been a loooooooong while for me, but I can tell you that it is a HUGE pain in the ass.  

I took Kaden to his follow up appointment from a couple of weeks ago.  Then, in my infinite naivety, went to try to fill his prescription before work slash while running uber late for work.   After four failed attempts, Target came to my rescue.  

You might notice that I took my pictures at two different locations today.  That is because I tried to utilize my old favorite spot for photos before I ran into work.  I have not been able to use this spot since daylight savings time sucked all the sunshine away before/after work and I have been forced to take my pictures during my very limited lunch "hour" (and by "hour" I mean as close to 25 minutes that I can get).  Well, I tried, but the wind was so ungodly that it knocked my tripod over.  Several times.  Like, feared for my camera's well being kind of devastation.  

So, needless to say, this morning was stressful.  I have a very strong work ethic.  I equate being gone from work for any reason from eating lunch to being home sick with kiddos to going to appointments as being unreliable.  I need to get over this.  Part of my NYR with crossing things off of my to-do list is to learn to relax and put important things such as taking my kids to the dentist as a priority.  After all, I've only called in sick one time in two and a half years. 

However, my day got a lot better.  I got caught up at work.  Usually on Wednesday nights, Patrick take the boys to Kumon so I can catch another appointment of mine.  Tonight when I showed up to my appointment, there was a scheduling conflict and I had to leave.  But, Patrick, being the rock star that he is, opted to still take the boys to Kumon and Ellie to Starbucks so I could just go home and chill.   Sounds awesome right?

It did sound awesome, until I remembered that I had to go pick up Kaden's prescription.  At Target.  Alone.  On a payday.  Without supervision.  However, as I walked up to the cash register with two adorable clearance rack hats in hand, I overheard a clerk telling two other clerks about her bridesmaids and their dresses.  I got out of retail shock, got my eye back on the prize, put the hats back and left the store with only the prescription.  If that ain't a miracle, I don't know what is.  

And then I finally got to come home and on my doorstep was a lovely package from eShakti.  You guys might remember that they sent me a dress last fall to review.  Well, I was so impressed with the dress and the customer service, that my mom and I opted to buy her Mother of the Bride dress from them.  It arrived today and I cannot wait for her to try it on! 

I just noticed that the only thing that I am wearing that was not given/handed down to me are my tights and my belt.  Therefore, this outfit essentially cost me around $15.  Now that, my friends, is enough to blow anyone away!  Get it????  Ha ha ha *slowly trailing off as I notice that I am the only one laughing*

Rust Colored Crocheted Maxi Skirt-Rave, gifted; Gray/White Button Down Top-Gap, gifted; Purple Tights-Target; Red Wide Snakeskin Belt-vintage; Orange and Gold Peep Toe Pumps-Nine West, gifted; Necklace-vintage from Grandma; Earrings-gifted

The Brews

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Every time I wear these plaid trousers, I am taken back to my high school days of punkdom.  I have talked about this before, but my high school looks consisted mostly of bright colors, various shapes, patterns and colors of nylons, oversized t-shirts with "profound" symbols and declarations on them, JNco's and Airwalks. 

There is a part of me that will never loose that rebellious side.  The punk rocker side.  The secret yearning to still dye my hair purple side.  But, alas, my job does not tailor well to some of these urges.  It does, however, tailor well to plaid trousers. 

My Tuesdays are always a bit more laxed.  It is the only day of the week that I do not have immediate obligations directly following work for the kids (tutoring, therapy, sports, etc.).  I love Tuesdays.  

My Tuesday started out extra sweet because Kaden made my coffee this morning.  Now, he has done this before.  But, I had to find a nice, "mom" way to get a cease and desist order on the Folgers pronto.  You see, as most children, Kaden really overestimates the amount of sugar needed in a cup of coffee.  So, I was nervous.  But, his age and his technique have vastly matured.  This cup of coffee was the shit!  Thanks Kade! 

I was giving my daughter a bath tonight, as I do every night, and she gets really quiet and serious and looks at me and says, "Mom, I gotta tell you something."  It should be said that earlier when I picked her up, she had a minor meltdown when I informed her that we were having tacos for dinner.  "Ok," I said, "what?"  "I love you," she says, "and I'm sorry for not wanting the tacos."  So cute.  

Ever since getting my Offbeat Bride book in the mail yesterday, I cannot put it down.  It is as entertaining as it is informative.  I really miss reading.  Admitted, I have not read a lot of books since college.  Between being bogged down with a full schedule and having reading loose its luster from educational reading years ago, it hasn't been on my top list of things to do.  But I'm realizing how much I miss it.

As mentioned yesterday, it was supposed to snow today.  And it did.  Sort of.  It just didn't stick.  At all.  Cool thing though, is that it looked and smelled like it rained.  It makes me ever so psyched for the appearance of spring!

 Speaking of psyched, Patrick and I are enjoying a root beer float and some stand up comedy at the moment, so I'm gonna sign off.  Go plaid.  Oi for beer.  Metal Horns and so forth. 

Plaid Bootleg Trousers-Wal-Mart (really old); Black Knit Sweater with Cowl Neck and Button Detail-Kohl's; Football Booties-Forever 21; Broach-vintage from Grandma; Heart Shaped Earrings and Heart Cutout Cuff-gifted; Fur Trimmed Canvas Jacket-Kohl's