No Model Lady

What I've Been Wearing

2012-02-07T07:00:00.010-05:00

Extensions.

Bought the hair from a beauty supply store (human so I can dye it/curl it, etc.) and sewed them onto wig clips which secure to your real hair.
Extensions are dangerous. They get you drunk with female power, which is why I've been wearing them so much. The down side? Pretty soon after putting them in you'll develop a pretty wicked headache, which can put a damper on the hair flipping festivities.

Spouse and I went to a banquet the other night and I wore this Pinup Girl Clothing dress. It's a medium and it was a little big but I really wanted to wear it so I cinched the belt, wore an undershirt and made it work. The color is amazing and the fit is so flattering that I was able to enjoy myself without worrying about sucking in or constantly adjusting, which can seriously ruin a night out.

You know what else can ruin a night out? Being hungry at a fancy dinner. Everyone politely nibbles on their entrees and at first you try to do the same even though you are fairly sure your stomach is eating itself.
A person can only keep up this charade for so long, and at some point you find yourself elbow-deep in crab cakes and dinner rolls, looking frantically around with grease dribbling down your chin, growling at anyone who gets too close.

On a more random note, I ran out of my usual black Urban Decay eyeliner so I grabbed some Maybelline Master Drama Eyeliner while I was at Target last week and long story short, I love this stuff! One swipe and you have a smooth black line, which blends really well for a smoky eye or looks amazing on its own if you want a thicker cat eye. I highly recommend!

Friends In The City

2012-02-06T08:18:00.005-05:00

While most of the U.S. spent yesterday cheering on their team of choice, critiquing commercials and entertainers or just gorging themselves on Superbowl delicacies, I spent the day watching a Sex In The City marathon.

(Spouse was at work. Obviously.)
There is always one question I come back to when I watch Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte navigating the complexities of life, love and growing up.

Can friendship like this exist in real adult life?

When I was younger it seemed that my friends and I were the center of the universe. Everything revolved around seeing them at school, hanging out on weekends, laughing until we cried at things no one else understood, swapping clothes and secrets and sharing the intimacy of a friendship that would always be there.
But as most females know, the best friend of elementary school can often become the worst nightmare of middle school.
Things like boys, popularity shifts, jealousy and competition come into play and often times these friendships don't survive.
As we change our ideals change and what we look for in a friend changes too. In sixth grade my friends and I knew every line of Clueless by heart. By eighth grade I was wearing heavy black eyeliner, reading Jean Paul Sartre at lunch. Then high school came and suddenly it was all about the opposite sex. Friends were secondary. And after that it's a blur of marriage, babies, careers and all the things that make you a grown up.

Friendship as an adult is a different dynamic, but complicated for some of the same reasons it was in our youth. Jealousy, competition and popularity shifts are still present, only now you get the addition of things like religion, status, politics, etc. As an adult it seems that often one fight can signal the end of a friendship. Distance can be a friendship's slow death. Perhaps because we're not invested. We have our families and careers now, so friendships are lower on the totem pole of priorities.
A few years ago I had a best friend that I spent almost every day with. We laughed until we cried, watched each others children, confided in each other and eventually got to the point where knocking was unnecessary and inviting one of us to an event meant inviting both of us. Then something happened. I don't even really know what exactly, but the going got rough and we both gave up. I tried to text a few times but it was clear that her wall was up. We retreated out of one anothers lives and polite greetings gave way to waves in passing and then to nothing at all.

Sometimes I think as adult women we hide behind our new titles. We use our role as mother or wife as a shield to hide behind when we don't want to get hurt by a friend. When it seems there might be a disagreement or hurt feeling we shrug off the title of friend because we have so many more important things to worry about.
Being a friend, a real, true friend is hard. But isn't it worth it? Isn't a real friend more like family? Someone you can fight with and there's never a question of whether or not you'll make up, or take a break from without a fear that you won't be able to pick up where you left off.

So that's my sincere question for you.
Can friendship like this exist in real adult life?

Oh Monday

2012-01-30T09:05:00.006-05:00

(Free printable from irocksowhat.)

I have no problem with Mondays. Actually, I usually kind of look forward to them, as they signal the resumption of my routine.
I like my routine. When I go too long without it I start to feel a smidge manic. And no one wants that *manic laughter*.

Anyway, before I dive into this week I thought I'd share some of my going-on's with you.
Those of you who follow me on Facebook (here) or Instagram (nomodellady) already have the 411, but for those of you who don't...

1) I was told by a grown man at Starbucks that I "look like a female version of Draco Malfoy". When I had no response he assured me that it was a compliment. Because apparently this man thinks young boys are attractive (thanks Spouse for pointing this out).

2) Peanut got his hairs cut. Peanut hated this and wore his coon hat all weekend.

3) Spouse got desperate for surf, so even though there were really no waves he suited up and paddled around. He does this occasionally.

4) We watch a lot of old Westerns in this family. Spouse has a dream that one day, with the help of Google, his dream of becoming a rancher will come to pass. So this is what my search history usually looks like:

5) I've got the itch to change up my blog a bit but have no idea how.
Suggestions are welcome.

*Video blog is forthcoming. Look for that later in the week!

Bowling In Skinny Jeans

2012-01-27T07:50:00.008-05:00

Help Me.

I am not a fan of bowling.

I go occasionally when the boys beg, mostly because if I don't Spouse gives me this judgy "It's for the kids!" look. Like I never do anything I don't want to do for the sake of the boys. Like I didn't get my abs dissected just to get them here in the first place.
No gratitude, just guilt trips to get me to bowl.

Mark my words, guys, one of these days Spouse is gonna get it.
He wants me to like bowling? I will LOOOOOVE bowling.
I will invest in one of those professional rolling bowling bags, black grip gloves and some gray Hanes sweat pants with elastic at the ankles and I'm going to be a born again bowler.
I'll beg him to take us all bowling and once there I'll do some deep stretches before we start, in my saggy bottom Hanes sweats. You gotta be loose to get those strikes, am I right?! I'll take off my matching Hanes sweatshirt to unveil my homemade applique shirt, featuring a full moon and exotic looking Caucasian-Indian woman. (White trash culture makes every race and ethnicity look Caucasian. Tan and busty, but always Caucasian.) The boys will both match me and I will have a clip board and will coach them on technique.
Spouse will be the odd man out. The downer. The rain on our bowling parade.
Then we'll go home and Spouse will never ask me to go bowling again.
Mission accomplished.

Too elaborate, I know. Just writing it out made me tired.
Moving on.

For Man-Boy's birthday all he wanted to do was go bowling, eat cake and get presents.

Peanut Butter was fine with this plan.

So Man-Boy invited his BFF and naturally, they dressed as clones for the evening.

We ate, he opened gifts and we went bowling.

I forgot my socks but luckily they sold bowling socks for $1. So I pulled my new bowling ball tube socks up over my skinny jeans and Velcroed my neon bowling shoes on and swallowed my pride.
Let's do this thing.

Happy Birthday, offspring. I got you the last of my remaining dignity.

I Need A Vacation

2012-01-23T17:56:00.007-05:00

I have been a little irritable lately.

I've been hyper-aware of Spouse's chewing when he eats near me. Each bite strips a nerve until I realize that I'm sitting next to him with my hands over my ears, cringing from the horror of it all.
He's forgetting my rules. He's forgetting that the sound of someone chewing in a quiet room is like nails on a chalkboard to me. Like dry skin on polyester.

We need to get away.

The last time we took a real vacation was pre-deployment leave to Disney 3 years ago.
What that was like:
*My husband is going to fight a war in Afghanistan for eight months. He might not come home. I am terrified and sick to my stomach. "Now where's Mickey?! Oh my gosh, kids, isn't this the most fun EVER?!"
*Cries quietly*

The last time we took a real vacation without the boys was 5 years ago.

I feel like I've had a lingering headache for months. I am sick of always being the cheerful one who keeps things light and makes sure everyone else is happy even though I might feel like poking my eyeballs out.

I want a nice hotel, maybe even a spa with afternoon yoga classes on the beach. Plenty of sunshine, clean white sheets, no laundry to fold or deadlines to reach or people to please.
I want strangers to hot stone me, hot oil me and rub all the tension out of my body. (Any married woman knows that husbands are incapable of massaging without getting handsy. Strangers are the way to go. At least if they get crazy you can sue and have something to show for it.)

*How uncomfortable does this picture make you? She's definitely gonna choke and spit that all over his face.

Military Love

2012-01-13T10:26:00.007-05:00

Love is beautiful and magical and makes birds sing and the sun come out, but everyone knows that love is hard too.

I am shooting a friend's homecoming today. She had her husband for 2 weeks of the past 12 months. Sounds totally crazy, unless it's totally normal and unfortunately for most of us in a relationship with someone in the military, it's pretty normal.
Our love is hard.
Our love makes it hurt to be separated and yet we are, time and time again.
Our love means that we support them even at the cost of sacrificing a lot of our own dreams for theirs. Moving to places we would otherwise never choose, going through cycles of missing them terribly, adjusting to their presence when they're home and before we know it, they're gone again.
It's rough and it's hard to explain, but at it's core is simple love.

Anyway, I was listening to this song today and realized that it sounds like so many letters Spouse wrote to me during his deployments.
In some ways, every girl who has ever loved a boy in a uniform has been this girl.

I wish I could do better by you,
'cause that's what you deserve
You sacrifice so much of your life
In order for this to work.

While I'm off chasing my own dreams
Sailing around the world
Please know that I'm yours to keep
My beautiful girl

When you cry a piece of my heart dies
Knowing that I may have been the cause
If you were to leave
Fulfill someone else's dreams
I think I might totally be lost

You don't ask for no diamond rings no delicate string of pearls
That's why I wrote this song to sing
My beautiful girl
(City and Colour, The Girl)

Wednesday Inspiration

2012-01-11T08:15:00.006-05:00

I'm not sure about you guys but I was in desperate need of some inspiration today.

After the vomit bombs of the past week and then the subsequent deep clean I am drained! Waking up to a dreary morning only emphasized the suck of it all and my day was almost a total loss before it even began.
Not ready to give up so soon, I went on a hunt for some positive mojo and thought I would share my findings with you!

Because I really do need to stop complaining about being out of shape:
Image from Google.

This Song:

Tiny Buddha
This website is full of inspiration and tips, from mindfulness and peace to healthy habits.

This short film:

The Shine Project
This girl has made it a mission to help others and make the world a happier place! Even better, you can help! Check out her site for more information!

Messy Canvas
The girl can write. Check out her top 27 posts and I promise you will be glued to your computer until you're done reading them all.

What inspires you? Please pass it around!

So You Think You're Ready For Kids?

2012-01-09T07:49:00.008-05:00

Because I just want to prepare you for how much vomit you're going to have to deal with.

Vomit bombs will be a part of your life from the time your child is born to the time they claim to have the stomach flu like you've never smelled vodka before.

Last night was my second full night of puke duty in a week. Last night I also took a sleeping pill before bed.
Last night was a freaking nightmare.

If you've ever been forced awake while under the influence of a sleeping pill you know that it makes you feel like you're underwater, with bits and pieces of what's going on around you hitting you on a delayed loop, at times crushingly loud as you become increasingly irritable.

I awoke to the pitter-patter of little feet running to the bathroom and my first cognizant thought was, "At least it sounds like he made it to the toilet".

But he didn't friends. He didn't even come close.

So I pitched myself out of bed and up the stairs, pausing intermittently to stroke my own hair or feel my own face or do any number of ridiculous things you do in the grip of sleeping pill fog. I finally made it up only to stumble upon the rubble of the vomit bomb.
On the bed, down the wall, pooled on the floor among the Legos and toys and most curiously, in the wall outlet.
As I stood there taking it all in I steeled myself for what had to be done. The only thing I could logically do.

Burn the house down.

Unfortunately, Spouse wouldn't play along with my brilliant plan, so in the end I spent the better part of my night donning rubber gloves, letting the fumes from the bleach burn the smell out of my nose and going through enough paper towels to make a hippie cry patchouli-scented tears.

So, you think you're ready for kids?

My First Video Post!

2012-01-05T18:31:00.002-05:00

Retrospect

2011-12-30T08:34:00.007-05:00

As another year comes to a close I had to take one last look back before plunging into 2012.

So without further adieu, here are some of my favorite posts from 2011:

Dream A Little Bigger
Lady: Demystified
The Waiting Place
Heat-Free Pincurls
How To Give The Silent Treatment
The Black Widow
Kate Spade on a Peggy Bundy Budget
The Job From Hell
SHI-T
The Best Birthday

A blog is a beautiful thing when it comes to preserving memories. It's also a brutally honest tool for accountability. Reading back on old posts I'm faced with goals and ambitious statements I made that soon fell by the wayside.
Thinking about New Years resolutions I need only read my own words to remind myself of things I need to make good on in the coming year.

I hope you all have a fabulous New Years Eve!! See you in 2012!

Christmas

2011-12-29T10:59:00.007-05:00

Hello, hello!!

I'm back from my trip, recovered from that lovely stomach bug and secretly hoping that it saved me the trouble of working off all the excess calories I consumed.
(Hey, if you gotta be sick you may as well look for the silver lining.)

Rather than bombard you with ALL my holiday pics, I'll just give you the highlights.

Snapping this photo of my Morfar in his Army jacket, holding a photo of himself in the same jacket as a young Corporal in the 1950's.

Also, hearing him tell the story of this cute Danish girl (my Mormor) coming to his base to see him while he was stationed in Europe and everyone was on lock-down (no way he was getting liberty to go hang out with her). But in a moment of desperation he walked right up to the Sergeant Major of the whole base and asked for a day pass. The Sergeant Major gave him a 3 day pass (unheard of) and they walked off the base with everyone asking him how he did it.

Spending time with my mama and sister.

Trespassing at my childhood house.

Getting to be with my favorite people at my favorite time of year. I've had my share of Christmas's without Spouse so I don't take his presence for granted. Added bonus: When he takes leave he gets to grows his facial hair, which takes his hotness to a whole new level.

Then there was the time I walked into a vintage clothing shop and spotted this sweet thing and made it mine. For $20.

Best stocking stuffer ever. These doilies from Urban Outfitters.

It was a wonderful family trip, with all the usual drama, vomiting, driving, eating, laughing, hugs and the huge sigh of relief that comes at the end; when we collapse on our bed, home at last!

For R.

2011-12-18T19:05:00.003-05:00

Recently the man who served as the first father figure I had passed away suddenly in his sleep. I didn't talk much about it at the time because it's such an odd situation.

See, he wasn't a very good father to me and most of the memories I have of him are marred by alienation, sadness and fear.

I try to put myself in his shoes. A divorced father of one child marrying a young widow with five children.
I really don't think R knew what he was getting into.

I was a baby when my dad died. I hold no memories of him, just a void. When my mom and R married I think he hoped I would be like his own child. I think in his mind we would all become HIS children. HIS family. But unlike me my siblings had memories of our father. They had grief and sadness over his loss and mile-high walls between them and this man trying to take his place. Although I lacked the memory of a father I was fiercely loyal to my siblings and if they wouldn't accept R then neither would I. In response to our resistance, R could have offered patient unconditional love. I often wonder how differently things might have been had this been his reaction. Instead he quickly grew resentful and angry. The smallest comment or perceived show of disrespect would set him off. In addition to the stress of walking on pins and needles around R, I was also dealing with the effects of another form of abuse at the hands of a family friend. As a result of the severe stress I was under I developed gastritis in the seventh grade. For those of you who don't know what that is, it's excruciating and feels like you have a stomach full of battery acid.
Long story short, I was one messed up girl.

My mom and R were married until I was in my early teens, though they slept in separate rooms for several years before their official divorce.
The last few years R seemed to resign himself to the fact that divorce was inevitable. He basically avoided us until the house finally sold and then moved into a small condo.
After almost 14 years in the same house we were virtual strangers.

So I was surprised at how emotional I was when my mom called to tell me that he was gone. We hadn't spoken in years and other than my half-sister I had no connection to him. But all the same I cried for him.
I cried because he was alone at his death. I cried because I think he must have had moments of clarity in which he was able to see that his life was not what he wanted it to be. I wonder why he didn't try to change or if he did and I just wasn't around to see. I cried because I hold a vivid memory that haunts me now.
He had threatened to leave (which he did a lot) but after he and my mom had it out he began to unpack and as always we were right back where we started. Nothing ever seemed to change. This uneasy peace would settle over our house, but never happiness or contentment, just temporary peace.
I was so sick of it all, so I did something totally out of character. I told him.
"No one wants you here. We would all be happier if you just left."
For a moment I couldn't breath. Then his whole body seemed to sag as he turned away from me and quietly said,
"I know, Mich."
No anger or rage, just defeat. I knew he wasn't a threat to me anymore. I didn't feel anger or fear, I just felt sadness. I realized that he might be even lonelier than me.

As I get older I think I understand him a little better. Maybe even empathize with him a little.
Did he make mistakes? No question.
But as an adult I realize the complexity of a marriage, of family.
I was a kid consumed by her own thoughts, feelings and experiences. Just as he channeled his frustration and anger at me, I blamed all of my hurt (regardless the actual source) on him. I realize now that what I remember of my childhood is probably vastly different from that of my siblings, my mom or R. I remember a God-awful road trip with nine people shoved in a van with no AC and Simon and Garfunkel blaring. R probably remembered a time when things looked hopeful and we were a family.

To R.
I am sorry for all the things I said or did to make your life harder or intentionally hurt you. I forgive you for lashing out at me and I forgive you for giving up. I am sorry for resenting you all those years. I hope you found peace.

New Winner!

2011-12-18T11:32:00.003-05:00

Hey guys!
Since I didn't hear from the Shabby Apple Giveaway winner within the week I had to choose a new winner!

The lucky lady is...

Hillary from The Whole FamDamily!!

Congrats, lady friend!

*Just a reminder for future giveaways, (unless I state otherwise) I have a 5 day window during which the winner has to contact me or a new one will be chosen.

Happy Sunday to all!

Virtual Reality

2011-12-16T08:23:00.003-05:00

*I made these Ecards and you can design your own at www.someecards.com!

It is the last day before Christmas break, which means that it's the last 6 hours of freedom I will have for the next 16 days.
But who's counting?
Anyway, my mom posted this article on Facebook a few days ago and I was intrigued. Read it.

"Facebook Is Making Us Miserable"
By: Daniel Gulati

As I read it I recognized a ring of truth to the author's words. Particularly, when he talks about a "den of comparison" social media has created.

"Comparing ourselves to others is a key driver of unhappiness. Tom DeLong, author of Flying Without a Net, even describes a "Comparing Trap." He writes, "No matter how successful we are and how many goals we achieve, this trap causes us to recalibrate our accomplishments and reset the bar for how we define success."And as we judge the entirety of our own lives against the top 1% of our friends' lives, we're setting impossible standards for ourselves, making us more miserable than ever."

It's not just Facebook. It's every other form of social media out there that creates a virtual reality. A reality made up of the best, most attractive, wittiest parts of ourselves. The minute we convince ourselves that it's real is the minute we start obsessing and comparing and becoming progressively more judgmental towards ourselves and others. Facebook can always be in your life. However, it should never be a big enough part of your life to make you miserable.

If you think your virtual reality is becoming your reality, here are a few tips Gulati has:
1) Trim your friends list. Cut out the random strangers, gossipy co-workers and competitive frenemies. Lots of Facebook friends simply means lots of eyes prying into your life. Make sure they're looking for the right reasons.
2) Stay connected...at a distance. You don't need to check Facebook 100 times a day. If you're extra ballsy take the app off your iPhone or iPad and only check it once in a while from your home computer.

Another recommendation I'll make is that if you're in a serious relationship, your significant other should have access to your Facebook and vise-versa. Not being open about stuff like that can lead to trouble town in a hurry. Facebook is a playground for whore-bags and douche babies. Protect yourself and the ones you love from these threats.

Another tip I can offer is not to over-share. Your personal and private lives should stay that way. I have been lucky enough to reconnect with a lot of really cool people from my past. I may have never known my dad's side of the family without Facebook. Now we are in each others lives and that's pretty amazing.
I have also been contacted by people from my past that I wish would stay in the past, and the idea that they can likely see into my life makes my skin crawl.
Technology is a blessing that can easily become a curse if you let it. My final piece of advice: Don't let it.

A Winner!

2011-12-12T07:36:00.004-05:00

Hey guys!
It's time to announce the winner of the Shabby Apple Giveaway!
*It's the first time I've ever seen Random Number Generator pick #1!
And comment #1 was...

TARYN
(Iron & Wine)

Congrats, Taryn!
Email me at nomodellady@gmail.com to confirm your win!

Bow Tied

2011-12-08T08:00:00.003-05:00

Happy Thursday!

Today's tutorial is a no-sew bow! You could make bow ties, hair clips, shoe clips to dress up boring heels, sweater clips, pins, etc. The possibilities are endless! (Several of these babies have been made into sweet little Christmas gifts for my friends!)

I have a bow tie inspired hair clip and used that as a template for my own bow ties! They are so very easy you really don't need a pattern.
In total I spent $12 and made 18 bows before I ran out of steam.

Now, I suppose if you were so inclined you could sew these, but I am never inclined to sew anything.
You can do the entire thing with hot glue, but since some of the material I chose was pretty lightweight, I chose to use a fusible interfacing and stitch witchery in addition to hot glue to ensure that they would be sturdy!

=
(Check it. My middle finger looks broken. Grody cakes.)
*Resume tutorial*

Oh hey, you have until Monday to enter my Shabby Apple giveaway!

AND check out my Facebook before then for a secret mini-giveaway that may or may not involve a bow creation!

A Shabby Apple Holiday Giveaway!

2011-12-06T09:28:00.008-05:00

Hi friends!
Just in time for the holidays, another Shabby Apple giveaway! Shabby Apple is an adorable online boutique with an amazing selection of women's dresses and clothing!
Just some of the things I'm drooling over:

*Had this skirt been around back when I made my own, I would not have made my own! What a pain!

Okay, okay, stop swooning!
One lucky winner will receive the Francine Skirt, a perfectly chic pencil skirt with a bold bow accentuating the waist!

I can see this with some bright red booties and a soft cream sweater top! How would you wear it?

To enter this giveaway you must "like" Shabby Apple on Facebook and leave a comment letting me know!

Additional entries:
(1) "Like" No Model Lady on Facebook and leave a comment letting me know!
(2) Post a link to this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter or your own blog! (Leave 1 comment per linked post for 3 possible extra entries!)

If you're smitten with other Shabby Apple dresses or skirts, you can use the coupon code nomodellady10off for 10% off your order and free standard shipping! This code will be good through December 30, 2011!

Giveaway ends Monday, December 12 at midnight!

Kate Spade on a Peggy Bundy Budget

2011-12-05T15:19:00.015-05:00

I really, truly adore Kate Spade. In particular, her use of color!
Everything she designs is vibrant, whimsical and fun but maintains a classic elegance. She somehow channels pure happiness into her designs and I love it. Love, love, love it!

But alas, I don't live on a Kate Spade budget. I'm on more of a Peggy Bundy budget. However, all hope is not lost. You can still get the Kate Spade look by incorporating bright, bold colors and whimsical details.

My take on Kate Spade:

In my head I pictured this outfit with fuchsia shoes, like these...

...buuuut, that would require actually owning said shoes. Details, details. Oh well, I loved this outfit! It was so bright and fun and made me happy to wear (which is really the only thing I care about where fashion is concerned).

*Dress: Old Navy, Belt: Marshalls, Tights: Target, Shoes: Charlotte Russe.

What do you think?

Friday Favorites

2011-12-02T14:43:00.007-05:00

Although Friday tends to lose it's luster when you work on the weekends, I'm still embracing it and as such, I'm here to share some cool happenings and things I discovered this week!

1. Carpet Powder
I hate to be rude, but I'm pretty sure my house smells better than yours.

+It's easy. It's cheap. And it works.
I didn't really follow any "recipe" for this stuff, I just dumped a carton of baking soda into a gallon Ziploc bag, added about 15 drops of Bath & Body Works "Fresh Balsam" home fragrance oil (they have tons of yummy scents) and basically did a shake without the bake. *The baking soda shouldn't look damp. It should basically absorb all the oil, allowing you to sprinkle it on your carpets, soak up the stank and then vacuum it up. If you have a severe case of stank you can let it sit for a while before you vacuum it up.

2. Vardagen Ugly Christmas Sweater T-Shirts.
I just bought this and I cannot wait to wear the crap out of it. *Pics to come. I have to get it first, homies.

3. Spouse got promoted!
Which is awesome and fabulous and I am so so proud of Spouse because I know he works really hard and is one of the most dedicated people I know.
However...
One thing that bugs me about the military (and maybe it's like this everywhere) is that people immediately start in the on extra $$ he'll be getting. But never to the man, always directed at the wife. Like we're all just waiting around to spend, spend, spend. I lost count of how many folks laughed and joked about how happy I must be to "get my shop on". It got old. Fast. I had to bite my tongue to keep from saying this:
We have 2 student loans, 2 car payments and a ton of other bills. In the past hour I've probably missed 3 calls from the student loan goons because my deferment is about to expire. Our extra income will go to that. And when I do spend a little more than usual it's because we're stationed in the sweaty lower back of North Carolina and there's not much else to do.

Don't get me wrong, I'm very grateful that Spouse has a good job, but I don't like being made to feel like a greedy little honey badger who takes what it wants.
Honey Badger don't care.

*Man-Child pinned him. It was quite cute, because he now tells everyone that HE promoted his dad.

Good hair day. Had to be documented.

Cocktail Party Daydreams

2011-11-29T00:00:00.007-05:00

Hi guys!
I got sucked into Polyvore last night and created a few sets for the holidays. Enjoy!

Thanksgiving in South Carolina

2011-11-28T08:47:00.014-05:00

Peanut's Thankful Tree.

We didn't make the cut. Maybe next year...

For the Thanksgiving weekend we headed to SC and stayed with some of Spouse's family. The lake house was beautiful and given a choice the boys would have never left. It was a child's dream out there, complete with cousins to play with, yummy food to eat, fires to help build, fish to catch and an entire lake to explore.

How Peanut gets on a hammock:

Nugget.

Thanksgiving Day was everything it should be. Good company, good food and a marathon of old Westerns.

*Thanksgiving Morning-Foggy and beautiful!

Spouse and I escaped solo on Saturday and my belief that good shopping is only accessible to me when I'm broke was once again confirmed. However, I was still able to snag a few little treasures and we ended the afternoon at Chipotle so I really can't complain!

*Thanks, Charlotte Russe, for catering to the girls on a budget!

Saturday ended with Spouse and Uncle H jumping into the lake. In November. Because it just seemed prudent.

Then we packed up and hit the road.
Me and my favorite people in the world. Spouse and I get to share this moment in time and I treasure it. The boys have gone so quickly from babies to boys and soon they'll be men but for right now, they're mine.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2011-11-24T08:00:00.001-05:00

Tense Standoff

2011-11-21T07:52:00.005-05:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I love to read.

Every time we go to the library I check out at least 15 books and because I'm a pretty speedy reader I can usually finish them all in a week or two.
However, with work and busy lives sometimes my library books sit forgotten and neglected until I start getting overdue notices and return them all, unopened.
This is precisely what happened with my last batch of books.

So I was surprised last week, when we put our armfuls of books before the librarian and she said we owed $25 for a damaged book.
*Well, I was not entirely surprised by this as the boys a can be a bit rough on books.
However, when the librarian walked out with one of MY books I was truly stumped. And thus, the tense standoff began.

Librarian:
As you can see, there's juice on several pages.

Me:
Well, I see that, but the fact is that I never even opened that book. I ran out of time so we returned it before I got the chance to read it.

Librarian:
Well, there's juice on several pages and it's caused them to come unglued from the binding.

Me:
And I see that, but I was not the one who did that.

Librarian:
Yeah...well...it's some kind of orange juice or tea.

Me:
Okay. But I never opened the book.

Librarian:
The pages are...damaged.

Me:
*Silence*

Librarian:
*Silence*

At this point we are locked in some kind of awkward staring contest.
I would not budge. She would not budge. Spouse was getting nervous.

In the end we had to leave with no books because I refused to pay (Ie. we stared at each other until Spouse said we would figure it out another time because we were already late for Man-Child's basketball practice).

Sometimes I really wish I could be more assertive. I never want to come off as rude or unreasonable but the end result is that I usually come off as a passive-aggressive wimp who can't check out books from the library because I would rather borrow them from friends or buy them myself than deal with confrontation.

Mothering Rant

2011-11-18T08:15:00.005-05:00

This morning after the boys left for school I found myself feeling both guilty and relieved.
Guilty that I seem to have no patience with them lately and relieved that they're gone.

I JUST cleaned the house, how did you trash it already?!?

No, you didn't tell me about a book report due today.

Were you even looking at the toilet? It's a pretty big target so I can only assume your were peeing with your eyes closed while spinning around the bathroom.

Do you think I like nagging you? I don't. I hate it, but you KNOW what you're supposed to be doing, yet you're not doing it.

Times like these I feel like I'm hitting my head against the wall, repeating the same tired lines over and over again.

You know, I told Man-Child to bring a jacket to school the other day but he slipped out without it. Walking home from school he "got so cold I just decided to lay down in the grass like a hobo and wait for someone to come get me."
What in the HELL?!?
(And yes, another mom saw him and took pity on him on that "frigid" 50 degree day.)
*Side note: I can't tell you how many times a day I think, "What in the hell?!"

So I lay down in bed at night or sit after they've gone to school and I stew in this mother's guilt.
I wish I was more fun. I wish I was more like these mothers I read about or follow who depict motherhood like a whimsical adventure, all day everyday. Fort building and treasure hunting and making fun treats 24/7.

In truth, I think it would take medication or a nanny AND a maid for me to be that mom and maybe that leaves me lacking, but it's the truth. I try and try but right now I'm just enjoying the silence and praying for patience.

eShakti Review

2011-11-16T13:35:00.003-05:00

Contrast Trim Cotton Knit Dress

Here's my review:

I love this dress.

This dress fits like it was made for me, because it was! I hate to sound like an infomercial but I'm loving eShakti!
When ordering one of their dresses, tops, jackets, pants or skirts you have the option to order a standard size or give your measurements to have something custom made for your body type! Custom ordering also allows you to pick the sleeve style, neckline and cut so that it's exactly what you want and it fits beautifully.
And the prices? Completely affordable, especially if you're faced with the cost of alterations, which often come when you purchase standard sized clothing.

I would never recommend a product, website or store I didn't love myself and I LOVE eShakti! My dress is adorable, high quality and unique. In a small town I like knowing that I am probably the only girl walking around in this sweet little number:)

Check out their website and if you fall in love (you will) with something, use the coupon code modellady0811 to get $20 off your purchase!! *Coupon code good until December 31, 2011*

Here are a few other eShakti dresses that I'm coveting:
Take A Bow

Wednesday Addams Market Dress

Scalloped Sequin Shift Dress

Mrs. Draper's Day Dress

Videos That Inspire

2011-11-16T08:20:00.002-05:00

If you have a few minutes to spare you should spend them getting a little mid-week inspiration!

Today I'm going to clean and fold laundry and make chili and light yummy candles and play Christmas music.

Sicky Icky

2011-11-15T08:22:00.004-05:00

I am *hopefully* at the tail-end of a pretty gnarly cold.

Similar to the man-cold, but in a lady form, which means 10x worse but without the constant need to complain.

Just kidding, Spouse.

(But not really.)

So here's an overheard conversation between the boys:

Peanut: *Yelling* "MOOOOOOM!!!"
Man-Child: "SHHHHHHH!! Don't ask her!!"
Peanut: *Whispers* "Why? I can't find my socks!"
Man-Child: "Because she's sick and the sickness makes her mean. Just wear my socks."

Anda happy Tuesday to you and yours!

Veterans Day Messages

2011-11-11T09:55:00.002-05:00

Giveaway Day Winner!

2011-11-11T09:40:00.001-05:00

Drumroll, please!!

The winner of the Pamela Fugate Designs Giveaway is...

MAMA BEAR

Congrats, mama!! You have 5 days to shoot me an email...or I get your bag. (Right? That sounds fair to me.)
Muahahahaha!!!!
nomodellady@gmail.com

Happy Birthday Spouse!

2011-11-10T08:00:00.010-05:00

Happy Birthday to my best friend, baby daddy and Spouse.

You are my favorite person in the world and as long as you stay fit and continue to hate the things that I hate, I see no reason for that to change.

A Marine that shares a birthday with the Marine Corps. Appropriate, no?

*Our engagement pic! Old-school! I guess my eyebrows were camera shy.

Adieu to All Dressed Up

2011-11-09T08:00:00.007-05:00

*Comfy cute top, but has a tendency of forming a nice little "maybe it's a baby, maybe it's an optical illusion" pooch with all the rouching.

Well the good news is that the sock bun is perfectly possible with shorter hair. I pulled this baby off with my barely shoulder-length hair and one of Man-Child's white socks. My method required a bit more tucking and positioning the hair around the sock, but the end result is worth the bit of extra work. In total it took me less than 3 minutes to do!
(The tutorial is HERE!)

The bad news is, I'm laying All Dressed Up to rest. At least, the version that most of you are familiar with. Meaning, no more weekly link-ups. It's hard to be creative on a schedule.
I will still get dressed up and I definitely want to share the things/people/blogs that inspire me, so look for more of that in the future.

And on that note, go enter the Pamela Fugate Designs giveaway!! Her bags are seriously cheeky and awesome, so do it!

Domestic Bliss

2011-11-08T07:00:00.002-05:00

Negative connotations aside, domestic bliss is really just being happy at home. Being satisfied with what you have. So cliche as it may be, that's what I strive for.

I have never professed to being a domestic diva.

I am impulsive, a little lazy, fairly disorganized and a bit of a slob. These traits work against me when it comes to running my home successfully and honestly, sometimes I really annoy myself. However, there are so many awesome resources out there that make me better, more efficient and best of all, save me $!
And while I may never be as organized or creative as our jailbird icon of domesticity, Ms. Martha Stewart, I've learned a few things that have made my life easier and happier and I wanted to share!

1) Meal Plan

If you google "meal planner" about 1,000 free meal plan downloads will magically appear. A few of my favorites are HERE and HERE. I plan meals for 2 weeks (eating out once a week) and then make a corresponding grocery list. I might have to re-stock on perishable fruits and veggies after a week or so, but that's it! Just remember to be realistic!! If you only get the bare minimum there's a good chance you will run out of food and then the temptation to eat out will strike. This will leave you broke AND fat. Insult to injury.

2) Frugal is Gross, Budget is Better

I hate the word frugal, it sounds like the color beige looks. However, you gotta live within your means and that calls for a budget. The first step is admitting you have a problem. (Etsy, Urban Outfitters, Victoria's Secret...when you are poor, these are problems.)
There are great resources and tips for budgeting HERE and HERE.
A super cool budgeting tool that allows you to connect all your accounts and debts AND build a budget is HERE.
*If you are in the military there are some amazing resources for financial management and most are free.

3) Credit Cards are the Devil
Seriously, cut those bloodsuckers up! Now, if you are responsible enough to have a real "for emergencies" card, then rock on. (Our washer just broke, and with two kids that is an emergency in my book!) However, if you have say, a Victoria's Secret card that keeps luring you back in with Angel rewards...*ahem* then cut it up and never use it again!!

4) Don't be Green...
*With envy, that is. Admiring or getting inspiration from someone is wonderful, but don't let that turn into envy. When you start to covet what someone else has it makes you look at what you have with disdain instead of appreciation. It's a vicious cycle because then you become tempted to whip out those evil credit cards to buy things you really can't afford to try to keep up with people who aren't even aware there's a race.
Stop.
Remind yourself that the greatest things in life AREN'T things.

5) Spend time, not $$
Doing something special or cool shouldn't cost you an arm and a leg.
I know some of us don't live in the most glamorous of cities with a less than happening nightlife, but if there are no local events for you to enjoy, make your own! Like fondue? Buy a $20 fondue pot from Target and have a dipping night, with your family and/or friends. Decorate your house, light some candles, get gussied up (or hussied up if it's just you and that special one) and make it special.
Art night: Buy some cheap Michael's canvases or just use plain old paper. Or go to Goodwill and find some crappy old paintings to give new life to. Get some paints and brushes and let the creative juices flow. The possibilities are endless! (We did this as a family and I spent $18 total.)
Explore: Take a drive. This time of year is gorgeous so take advantage of it! Stop at Starbucks and grab your favorite drink, then go where the road takes you. Snap pictures, stop, snoop and just enjoy being alive. Once Spouse and I found a random statue of Jesus in the middle of a field, no joke.

Now, don't forget to enter the fabulous Pamela Fugate Designs giveaway!! It closes Friday!

*All photos property of Anne Taintor

Giveaway Day!!

2011-11-07T06:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday, friends!!

What better way to start off a week than with an awesome giveaway from Pamela Fugate Designs!?!

Pamela has an amazing selection of sweet and sassy accessories, clothing and cheeky totes like these:
One lucky winner will receive any 1 of Pamela's custom designs on a "classic" cotton canvas tote (as shown above)!

If you make a purchase from Pamela's Etsy shop between now and the announcement Friday and then end up winning the giveaway, she will upgrade your prize to 2 "classic" cotton canvas totes (any 2 designs - front and back)!

How to enter this rad giveaway:
1) "Like" Pamela Fugate Designs on Facebook and leave a comment here letting me know!

For Extra Entries:
2) "Like" No Model Lady on Facebook and leave a comment letting me know!
3) Share this giveaway via Twitter, Facebook or your blog and leave a comment letting me know!

A winner will be drawn and announced this Friday, November 11 at 9am!
Good Luck!
*Giveaway open to US residents only.

All Hail...

2011-11-04T06:45:00.012-04:00

The Queen(s) of Halloween,

Color Blind's Thrilla Killaz!!
(Check out her lovely blog for thrifty, fashionable tips AND to see her awesome Halloween pics!)

Congrats, you goulish ladies!! You may proudly hold the title of Queens of Halloween...at least until next year!

As this is Friday I thought I'd leave you with some random inspiration for your weekend!

Source here

Source here

*No Model Lady on Instagram

Source unknown

Source here

*Psssst....I am hosting a freaking wonderful giveaway Monday and if you want a hint, check out my facebook!!

All Dressed Up on Dia de los Meurtos!

2011-11-01T22:00:00.003-04:00

Hey ladies!

As it is Dia de los Meurtos I thought it would be cool to kick off the day with a shoot I did for Sugar Heart Magazine !

I hope you all had an awesome Halloween!
Peanut was a cowboy and Man-Child was a WWII Marine (not to be confused with a "regular" Marine.)

I was a black widow and Spouse was my victim!

Please link up your Halloween posts!
Whoever gets the most "likes' by midnight Friday will be named Queen of Halloween!! Woohoo!

The Legend of the Black Widow

2011-10-30T16:08:00.011-04:00

The first time I saw her I was running home on a cold October night.

The brisk autumn wind made my eyes water as the dead leaves crunched beneath my feet. The sky was black and the street lamps offered little light, but I knew the way even in the dark. As I turned the corner a black figure ahead walked slowly and deliberately, silhouetted by the moon in such eerie light that I felt I was seeing a ghost. I slowed my pace and a chill began at the base of my spine and made it's way straight up to my neck as I grew closer to the object of my unease.

Suddenly the girl stopped, turned and gazed at me with the coldest eyes I had ever seen. For what seemed like hours but was surely mere seconds I stood ensnared in the vacuous pull of her gaze. Then, without warning she snapped her neck back as if gazing up at the stars and released a sound that I will never forget nor do I ever wish to hear again. Her slack jaw and lifeless limbs gave her the appearance of a rag doll as the sickening, guttural scream ripped through her.

Just as quickly as it began it ceased. Her body regained it's rigidity and she straightened, perfectly composed. Without a word she turned and walked up the path into a large white home that I knew to be Mr. Black's estate. The house that once seemed so benign now sat dark and sinister, one broken shutter banging in the wind.

No lights appeared inside the house as I ran past the looming wrought iron gates, willing my legs to go faster. I felt sure that her eyes watched me from one of the darkened windows, though I was too afraid to look.

Mr. Black had passed away rather suddenly, just days after bringing his new wife to live with him. Few had seen Mr. Black's widow, but rumors had run wild since his death. She rarely left the house and was not present at Mr. Black's funeral. When she went out she carried a large umbrella and spoke to no one. Some would venture towards her to offer condolences, but something in her demeanor dissuaded them from conversing.

Some said she was a witch. Others assumed that she was after Mr. Black's fortune. Still others pressed a hand to their throat when the subject came up, offering only a silent prayer for the deceased. Speculation and rumors surrounding his death persisted even after the coroner determined that a heart condition was to blame.

Black's widow left soon after his death and never returned again. Black's house was sold and the town soon forget the entire affair. I never told a soul what I saw that night and the image of her haunting face and that scream, that horrifying scream, faded with time. I grew older and rationalized the events of that night as the creation of a young boy's active imagination.

Years passed. I married, moved away and started a family of my own. My black hair turned to gray and God took my sweet wife in the Spring of '52. I returned to my hometown and buried her next to an empty plot that waits for me. I rented a small house within walking distance to her resting place and I visited her often.

One cold October night I walked the winding path through the graveyard, stooping when I reached her grave to brush the grass and dirt from her stone. As I stood, a figure caught my eye. Standing over Mr. Black's grave, silhouetted by the moon.
I recognized her instantly.
My pulse pounded in my ears as my breath grew shallow. Her cold, hallow eyes found mine and even in the fading twilight I knew it was her.
Unchanged by the years, defying all logic and reason, there she stood.
The black widow.

I wrote this story just for fun and I hope it was a little bit fun to read:)
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Keep It Alive!

2011-10-27T20:18:00.006-04:00

When I was younger I was not allowed to Trick or Treat on Halloween. I don't remember the specifics (razors in candy, keeping track of 7 kids...) but that was that.
However, I still loved Halloween because of how special my mom made it for us.

She would buy loads of candy and sometimes we roasted pumpkin seeds and made caramel apples.
And we always, ALWAYS watched Ichabod and The Legend of Sleepy Hallow.
Bing Crosby's voice serenaded us into a trance as we all snuggled deeper into our pillows and blankets on the family room floor.
It was our Halloween tradition and I loved it.
(At least until I became a teenager.)

I haven't watched that or been able to find it in any stores since I was 13.

Thank goodness for Amazon!
I got it in the mail today and we watched it as a family earlier. We snuggled under our blankets and Peanut talked over it because that's what he does when he gets scared. I soaked in the moment but my mind couldn't help but drift back to that time when I was the kid instead of the parent.
(And yes, Man-Child criticized the "bad graphics", but he'll watch it every year and like it or so help me!)
Especially as a military family, it's important to have traditions that you can take with you. We love going to the pumpkin patch here, but we know we won't be here forever so it doesn't hold as much importance as the things we can carry with us.

Halloween isn't my favorite holiday, but I am glad to keep this tradition alive! And now the 31st of October has my blessing to hurry up and get on with it so we can get to the most wonderful time of the year!!
(Because let's be honest. Halloween is basically the less attractive sister of Christmas.)

All Dressed Up!

2011-10-25T21:00:00.003-04:00

This was a little number I wore shopping with Spouse. It's all stuff I've had and loved for a while and I always feel good when I wear it!

*High waist jeans & top: UO, Oxford wedges: Charlotte Russe, Hair bow: Mod Cloth.

HOWEVER...

It's nothing new. I felt like I needed to try something I never had before. Shake things up a bit.
I'd been dying to try some bumper bangs so I figured I'd give it a shot. There are some great tutorials, (here and here) but since I didn't have a soft bun I just used a fat foam curler and shaped it around that. A little floppy but not bad for my first try!

So, without further ado, I give you outfit #2.

Tights and shorts.
I've seen them a lot lately and although I hoard cute tights, I rarely wear them and have never worn them with shorts. Not sure if this look is my new favorite, but I'm glad I tried something different!

*Heart stockings: Target, Oxford wedges: Charlotte Russe, High waisted shorts: UO, Sweater: Marshalls, Bangin' Bumper Bangs: Moi.

What do you thinK? You can be honest...but not brutally.
So, did you try anything new this week? Do tell!

Mah Weekend

2011-10-24T08:16:00.009-04:00

Oh Monday, sometimes I love ya and sometimes I hate ya.

Today I'm ambivalent.

The weekend got off to a rocky start when Peanut used his face to brake his skateboard. Busted lip, chipped tooth and a fair amount of guilt.
Peanut: (Sniffling and blinking back tears) "Why weren't you watching me?!?"

Completely unrelated to our guilt *ahem* we promised to take him to the beach the next day to hunt for shark teeth.

Man Child hunted Nazis.

We napped a considerable amount and if you're like me it takes approximately 3 attempts to rise up from a nap.

*Thrifted pink and white polka dotted top.

Sunday we got all gussied up for church, which I actually enjoy now that the boys are old enough to sit still and give me a little peace.
I've struggled a lot with my faith and religion but in the end I have to remind myself that though God's will and word is perfect, it is interpreted by imperfect people (myself included). Sometimes I don't agree with principles laid out by my church, but I really don't have to. I've found that where spirituality is concerned, when I get caught up in the idea that there's a wrong way and a right way, it just gets IN the way of having a real relationship with God. I don't believe there's a rule book where it comes to my relationship with him or how we communicate. If he can see my heart then words lose their importance. I send him constant messages, straight from my heart to his. When Peanut grabs me in a bear hug, when Spouse comes home from work and the boys run to greet him, when I go outside and the crisp fall air makes my eyes water, my heart says "thank you, thank you, thank you."

Finally Friday!

2011-10-21T08:51:00.007-04:00

Hello friends!

Does anyone else feel like this?

I will be back in business next week, but this week I just didn't have it in me.
Life has been so insanely busy these past few months. Yesterday was the first day in a long time that made me wake up excited at the prospect of doing nothing!!
It was wonderful.
Working part time isn't too bad, but working two part time jobs while trying to be a half-way decent mama and wife is pretty rough.

One night, after a particularly long day, Spouse took me and the boys to one of our favorite restaurants, unaware that it was belly dancer night.

Note the progression from child-like embarrassment to complete interest. Sigh.

I am heartbreakingly aware of how lucky I am to have such an amazing family. I wish I had millions so that I could take care of everyone. My mom, my siblings and my own little family are the most important things in my life.

Today I'm just in sweats with a cup of tea about to paint pumpkins with the boys and then clean this pit of a house and I honestly wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

Happy Friday!

All Dressed Up!

2011-10-11T22:00:00.008-04:00

Hello friends!!

Fall is finally creeping it's way here and you know what that means!
(Okay, to me this means it's closer to Christmas, which is my favorite time of the year, but to you I have no idea what it means.)

(I traded this bag in for a clutch for a night out with Spouse last week and felt like I was holding a Barbie bag. Once you go big you never go twig...er, I mean clutch.)

I'm ready for sweaters and scarves, boots and wooly slippers, Starbucks and pea coats. Not that I'm getting ahead of myself or anything...

What? Too soon?

*Cowl Scarf- Gap, Denim shirt- AE, Red jeans- AE, Aviators-gas station (I know, I am one classy babe), Woven flats- AE, Bag-Marshalls, Belt- AE.

Did you dress up for fall? Link up and lemme see!

I'm Not Dead

2011-10-10T19:32:00.008-04:00

I know, lately it seems I only come out of my work cocoon on Wednesday for All Dressed Up, but I'll be back en force soon!

This last week was a little crazy.
(She's just mad because our waiter wouldn't talk in Randall voice all night.)

One of my favorite friends moved and I keep forgetting; pulling in her driveway to chat, but quickly realizing it's not her driveway anymore.
I miss you, Rita.

I discovered why The Dollar Store should not make knock-off Barbie Dolls.
*Rough night, wrong side of the tracks Barbie?

We went to River Fest and saw all this cool stuff:

Oh cool, a dream catcher.

Oh snap, a bunch of dream catchers!

Holy Indigo Girls Goddess of Trailer Parks, a dream catcher with an Indian AND a wolf ON IT?!?!

So yeah, a little bittersweet, but all in all a pretty good week.
See you Wednesday!

All Dressed Up

2011-10-04T20:02:00.010-04:00

Remember the post about building the set for our Marie Antoinette shoot? Well, it was stunning!!

I got to take a few test shots and thought I'd share. Because let's face it kid, I look like dookie on my days off. I have considered telling people I have a really trashy twin but I think that might get confusing so I'll just be honest. It's me. I look a mess 90% of the time.

But sometimes, I get to be the Queen of France.

Did you dress up?

Sponsor Highlight!

2011-10-04T07:00:00.001-04:00

Happy Tuesday, friends!

Today I want to introduce you all to Christy, the lovely lady behind the blog High Heels 2 Flip Flops!

She's a stunner, right?!?

This former cosmetologist turned stay at home mom is yet another blogger I must add to my "Wish we were friends in real life" list.
She is precious. Like, I want to carry her around in my pocket and take her out when I need a little giggle or a reminder to be grateful for my blessings.
I suppose I sound like a creep now.

Her blog is a treat to read, so go check her out and leave her some love!!

All Dressed Up: Black & Gold

2011-09-27T22:00:00.005-04:00

(Top-UO, Pants-Gap, Shoes-VS Online, Necklaces- Thrifted and Ebay)

I hope you're all having a lovely week! For those of you who are new and don't know the drill, just link up an outfit post below!
I know, I know, I need to make a new All Dressed Up button. I'm on it!
For now, if you would link back to No Model Lady with my regular button or just a link in your post, that would be terrific.
Spread the All Dressed Up gospel to the masses, friends!
Because if you can't be yourself online, where can you?!

You're A Regular Picasso

2011-09-27T08:32:00.003-04:00

Last night, we had family creative time. I gotta think of a cooler name than that, but regardless,
I loved it. It is going to be a weekly thing.

The theme for this week's paintings:
Family Portrait

Let's review, shall we?

Spouse:
Okay, Spouse...don't include your crazy eye. No judgement. Yes, that's me, he just painted my real hair color. I think.

Man-Child:
I am the proud warrior mother watching from the hillside, standing by my husband even with his lack of limbs and mutated arm.

Peanut's and Mine:

Because who wouldn't want to ride a golden unicorn under pink clouds?

Weight of Memories

2011-09-26T08:24:00.017-04:00

Time flies and no matter what you do it's not going to slow down.
It seems I only note the passage of time when I realize how much of it has passed by unnoticed, turning months into years in what seems like a day. I take real and mental snapshots of moments and memories but I wish I could do more to hold on to them.

Last winter it snowed, which in North Carolina means the world stops. The base basically shut down, school was cancelled and Spouse got out of work. We suited up for snow and headed outside. The boys played and yelled and threw wet snowballs at each other but soon they ran out of steam and contented themselves making quiet tracks through the snow. It acted as insulation from the noise of their steps and for a moment everything was so silent it felt almost sacred.

I remember thinking, "Remember this! Don't forget this moment!!" as I tried to take in the quiet and the snowflakes and the faces of the little boys who won't stay little for long.
Even then I sensed the fragility of the moment, that one day it would be broken by the weight of a million newer memories and forgotten.

I hope one day when my sweet boys are grown men they will read their mother's words and know that my greatest memories, the ones I fight the hardest to keep, are of them.

All Dressed Up

2011-09-20T22:00:00.001-04:00

I always tell myself that I need to document some of the more ridiculous statements my kids make, for posterity.

So, here's this week's doozie:

Peanut: "That's because white power makes every thing work."
Me: (What. In. The. Hell?!?) "Peanut, what are you talking about?!"
Peanut: "White power...like...electricity."
(Apparently he saw pictures of lightning, which looks white, which led him to believe that electricity was white, hence...white power.)

Did you dress up? Link up below or click HERE for details!

Falling Hard

2011-09-20T06:38:00.013-04:00

I'm dreaming of fall today.

I'm dreaming of painted pumpkins.

And yards of this garland, but maybe in orange or red...

I'm dreaming of yummy pumpkin pie.

And being cozy in a cowl...

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.
~George Eliot

Friday Stuff

2011-09-16T06:36:00.004-04:00

Lately I've felt like life is running and I'm just trying really hard to keep up.
The past few weeks at various times I've felt like a horrible mom, wife, friend, daughter, employee and blogger.
I hate to complain because I know how lucky I am and people always feel the need to point that out. I never forget for a second how much I have to be thankful for and if anything that adds to the pressure I feel to maintain it all.
Part of the stress is dealing with Spouse's upcoming EAS date, when he will be finished with his time in the Marines. It's like a roller coaster.

The odd thing is that when I think about everything going on in my life, I'm not doing half bad. But because of this constant "to-do" list that plays itself in my head 24/7 I feel anxious and only half-present all the time.
I'm in a glass case of emotions. (Oh, Anchorman, how I love thee.)

Anxiety aside, I actually have been one productive broad this week.

I made some lovely necklaces from a vintage doily I bought months ago. It had a stain I couldn't get out from the middle, so I cut the edging off, added brass necklace chains and clasps, a little fray block and voile!

Thanks for bearing with me, folks:) I sure do love this blog and my awesome blog friends.

All Dressed Up!

2011-09-13T21:01:00.014-04:00

Hello friends!

For weeks we've been preparing for the Marie Antoinette theme shoot at work and this week we finally get to see the first fruits of our labor!!

The set truly looks amazing. We started with a blank studio and finished with Marie Antoinette's boudoir.

Now the rest of the week will be spent shooting various Marie's on the set, myself included!

It has been hard work but it's been fun and I know the payoff will be tremendous. It is one of the most gorgeous sets I've ever seen! We'll go into more detail with more pictures on the work blog HERE, probably by the end of the week!!

Until then you can check back at cherryblossoms pinup photograhy on facebook for new photos and updates!

I got dressed before I realized that my shirt actually made sense! (Because Marie Antoinette was Austrian, but became the Queen of France.)
*Jeggings-AE, oxford booties & necklace, Charlotte Russe, shirt-UO

Okay, now I better go spend some quality time with my Spouse before I come home to our family portrait with my face crudely cut out of the shot.

Link up below and spread the word on you own pages too. The more the merrier!! I will be back in full force soon and hopefully with awesome photos to boot!

Soul, Mole, Down A Hole

2011-09-12T05:00:00.000-04:00

That won't make a bit of sense to you unless you read *Fleur De Leigh's Life of Crime by Diane Leslie and even then you may not remember that one line, but it has been playing itself in my head all week.
*It's a good book and I'll definitely be reading the rest of the series.

The last week, as recounted by my Instagram photos:

Work...
Playing in the wardrobe room at work...

Wearing turquoise and red to work...

Watching Spouse surf with the boys...

Going to the bookstore and reading magazines...

Watching Peanut play in his new Star Wars cape, handmade by Grandma...

Going to church with this hussy...

Eating salt licorice like it's going out of style...

Wearing fancy rain boots...

So, this week Spouse and I are cutting out sugar, caffeine, meat and gluten (i.e. all joy in life). *Google Quantum Wellness for more info.
Yes, my Spouse is mega-buff, but he also has high blood pressure and consumes way too much meat and caffeine.
And yes, I'm thin, but I am in horrible shape. Like, can't drain water from a skillet without both hands out of shape. I require a steady stream of caffeine all day and Ambien to get to sleep at night. I don't want either of those things to be forever.

So here we go.
Soul, mole, down a hole.

All Dressed Up!

2011-09-06T21:30:00.001-04:00

I'll have you know I got dressed up NUMEROUS times this week.
Numerous.

On this particular day Spouse and I went to the bookstore and out to lunch, then drove around the countryside until we spotted a suitable background for pictures.

Desolate barn?
Check.
No trespassing sign?
Perfect.

Did you dress up or trespass this week?
Then link up below!

Bibeez Winner!!

2011-09-06T14:36:00.004-04:00

And the winner of the Bibeez Baby giveaway is...

Amber from My Three Bittles!

Congrats, Amber!! Shoot me an email at nomodellady@gmail.com and I'll pass it along to Frances @ Bibeez Baby!

The Silent Treatment

2011-09-05T09:12:00.006-04:00

Happy Labor Day!

Or, if you're in my situation, Happy Day 2 of giving your Spouse the silent treatment!!
You're gone a solid 36 hours without so much as a smile.
You've feigned unending interest in your phone, the corner of your thumb nail and the piece of thread on your t-shirt.
When you felt your resolve start to slip you remained steadfast.
You've done good, kid.

You might be asking yourself,
"Why am I mad? I don't remember..."

Well, the why doesn't matter anymore. This is beyond the why now.
Because now you've gone so far that if you admit you've forgotten your motive, you will lose all credibility.
If you're questioned about your motivations you must deploy evasion and diversion techniques.

1) Rhetorical questions:
"I don't know why I'm still mad. Why would I still be mad, Spouse?"

2) Sarcasm:
"You're right. You didn't do anything. I'm just being SO unreasonable!" (This can be tricky to deliver if you are aware on some level that you actually are being unreasonable.)

3) Avoid Eye Contact:
This is a rookie mistake. His face is like the sun. Don't look directly at it. Doing so opens yourself up to the "make her laugh and all will be forgiven" tactic, which is popular among men and the single most infuriating act they can commit mid-fight.

Ignoring someone is a lot of work. Be prepared.
(How do I not have a daughter to pass all this invaluable insight on to? It's tragic.)

So maybe I'm annoyed with a lot of things and I'm just taking it out on Spouse. Maybe that small argument was the straw that broke the camel's back and I just had to shut down for a while. But will I admit that? Only to you. I'm nothing if not diligent.

Sponsor Spotlight & Giveaway!

2011-09-02T08:00:00.005-04:00

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Today I want to introduce you to Frances, the creative mama behind Bibeez Baby!

This Air Force wife and stay at home mom whips up adorable accessories with a little something for everyone!

My personal favorites:

I know. SO CUTE!! And there's more where these came from at Bibeez Baby's Etsy shop!

One lucky winner will win a $10 shop credit and all you have to do to enter is leave a comment below telling me what Bibeez Baby Etsy shop item you love the most!

For extra entries you can:
~Follow Bibeez Baby on Facebook and leave her a comment letting her know No Model Lady sent you!

~Follow Bibeez Baby on twitter
(Leave seperate comments for each entry, please!)

Winner will be announced on Tuesday, September 6

All Dressed Up

2011-08-30T22:00:00.002-04:00

Today's All Dressed Up is a little different. Not because I planned on it, but because I just worked all day and I want to take a bath and go to bed.

A few weeks ago my boss went into the prop closet and a rogue rack of vintage dresses trapped and nearly smothered her.
We looked at each other and said, "We need more space!"
And in a strange turn of events, we got it.
But that means that someone had to move and rearrange everything. And someone turned out to be us. And moving furniture turns out to be tiring.

Oh, and then I went to pick up the boys a few minutes late and after about 5 minutes of waiting realized that I was the only parent there. School gets out 10 minutes earlier this year.
Thanks for the memo, school. (Okay, so I'm sure they did send me a memo or something, but who reads that crap?)

And sleep last night went like this:
Spouse asleep, me reading in bed. Enter HUGE COCKROACH. I cannot emphasize his size enough. I scream and wake Spouse. He kills it but not before it FLYS INTO HIS FACE. We return to bed, rattled.
We fall asleep.
Spouse BOLTS out of bed like we're under attack.
I think maybe it's a combat flashback.
It is...from his battle with the flying cockroach.
He rips off all the sheets in one motion, searching for his nightmare cockroach, still half asleep.
I assure him that it's dead and then spend all night spazzing out at every itch or hair brushing my cheek.

In short, my brain is FRIED!!
(Coincidentally, so is my hair. It must be spreading.)

So link up your All Dressed Up and I will be back next week!!

Hurricane Irene Road Trip!!

2011-08-29T11:33:00.012-04:00

This weekend we headed to Raleigh after watching the progression of Hurricane Irene and debating for days over whether or not to evacuate.

In the end we looked up and down our deserted street and decided to split.

*I like stuff on my lap when I'm sitting down. I'm a lap hoarder.

Peanut Butter's birthday was on Sunday so we decided to have a little birthday party in our hotel room. (Let it be known that Spouse wanted to POSTPONE Peanut's birthday. Because I'm sure a 5 year old would understand that. Blasphemy.)

Since we couldn't make a cake, we bought a Lego character to put on a plain store-bought one. There were 25 different possibilities but there was no way to know which character you were going to get in the overpriced "surprise packs". Pirates, Star Wars, cowboys and all these other Lego guys and we buy the one with a half-nekked hula girl holding maracas.

We had a pretty awesome hotel room birthday party and we even had some friends who had also evacuated come celebrate with us! Did I mention my in-laws came too? Radical.

(New necklace bought in Raleigh at their big, nice mall. I didn't ever want to leave.)

PS.
Downed trees, debris everywhere, no power, a fridge and freezer full of spoiled food, but thankfully no serious damage to our house!

I hope all my East Coast friends fared as well!!

And if you need a good laugh, go watch the Honey Badger video. I watched it about 20 times this weekend and it just gets funnier. Don't like it? Honey Badger don't care.

All Dressed Up!

2011-08-23T22:00:00.001-04:00

I haven't done a nautical look in a while and I had to show off my white pants!
After I saw LoveStitched take the white pant plunge I knew I had to find some. I had tried on probably 20 pairs in the past few months before I spotted these on $7 clearance at Ross. Miraculously they fit and didn't have the problems I'd had with other whities. (Namely, the lack of mystery surrounding what kind/color underwear I was wearing.)
Double bonus, they also had these in full length skinny jeans so I got both for $14!

*Jeans-Ross, Top-Old Navy, Belt-AE, Shoes-Charlotte Russe online (more of a cranberry color than true red, but still cute!), Necklace-Charlotte Russe online, Clutch-Goodwill

Sunny Sunday

2011-08-22T07:26:00.007-04:00

There was this time we went to Wrightsville Beach and I had to use the bathroom.
I walked all the way to the public restrooms and was starting my trek back when I walked past the cutest boutique I'd ever seen.
I couldn't resist, so I took a *little detour.
*A 2 hour detour that made Spouse suspect that I'd been snatched up or hit by a car.

Nope. I was just maxing out our credit card at Hallelu Boutique.
Ha! Just kidding.
(It still has at least $10 on it.)

This place had the cutest accessories and clothes and unlike some boutiques, I could actually afford to make purchases!
The necklace from my Birthday Suit post and the top I wore in my Surprise Party post all came from Hallelu.
In short...it's my new favorite.
And luckily, it's online too so I can shop anytime! (On that note Spouse head-shakes and leaves the room.)

Sunday's outfit: Top-Goodwill, Necklace-Hallelu Boutique, Skirt-Old Navy (5 years ago!), Shoes-Charlotte Russe online.

All Dressed Up!

2011-08-16T22:01:00.005-04:00

Today's All Dressed Up is dedicated to the beautiful deep-indigo linen pleated skirt I bought last week, then accidentally washed the same day, killing all the pleats and ruining what I had categorized as the most beautiful skirt I'd ever owned.
RIP.

I paired this thrifted white dress with my new favorite socks (yes, those are socks!) from Urban Outfitters and some sky-high Jessica Simpson heels. To top it off I added a birdcage veil and feather fascinator.
Well actually, I topped it off with a lot more accessories, but pared it down before I took pictures.
I looked a little bit too much like a Sweeney Todd extra.

Link up below if you got All Dressed Up & look for my new ADU button next week!!

Peanut Butter's Birthday

2011-08-16T08:52:00.008-04:00

I'm having the party debate.

To throw a birthday party or not? That is the question.
On one hand I have so many cute ideas that I know he'll love.
On the other hand it's the week after I go back to work and the boys go back to school.
I'm tired just thinking about it.

I have thrown what feels like one hundred Marine Corps-themed birthday parties for the boys and I just can't do it anymore.
We live on a Marine Corps base. Their dad is a Marine. It's like their birthday every day. Enough, already!

Since Peanut is obsessed with tickets and constantly asks to go to Chuck E Cheese, I'm thinking of a carnival-themed party...

While I think on this, feel free to share your birthday party advice!
If you want to check out more of my inspiration, find me on Pinterest, HERE!

Big Birthday Giveaway Winners!!

2011-08-15T09:46:00.005-04:00

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend!!

We spent it at a beach cabin, combing the shore for shells, tentatively (on my part) paddling around in the ocean, reading on our beach chairs and trying to sleep over the incredibly loud orchestra of crickets outside.

It was a fun weekend, but I am tired and happy to be home!

I'm also happy to announce the winners of my BIG BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY!!!

*Drumroll, please!*

The winner of the basic blog design package from Shay Bocks is...

Mom 2 Memphis And Ruby!

The winner of the $20 shop credit to Dark Pony Designs is...

Rainbow Bekah!

The winner of the crocheted Lady necklace by The Semper Gumby Shoppe is...

A Cup of T!

And the winner of the Saylor Rose Castaway necklace and ring is...

My Dear Jenn!

Winners, please email me at nomodellady@gmail.com to claim your prizes!! If I haven't heard from you by Friday I'll have to pick another winner, so do it!

Happy Monday!

Surprise Birthday Party!

2011-08-12T07:40:00.007-04:00

The day before my birthday Spouse called to tell me that he had arranged for a sitter to watch our kids and my sister's kids so we could go on a double date out to dinner.

So I made sure I didn't eat anything the rest of the day to make room for a yummy dinner out.
*Something you should know about me: I turn into a very mean person when I'm hungry.
Spouse was a little late getting home after picking up the sitter and then he went upstairs to shower and get dressed while we all waited.
Usually that takes about 3 minutes, but 20 minutes later we were all still waiting.
My empty stomach was losing patience.
I went to the bottom of the stairs and through clenched teeth asked Spouse what in the hell was taking so long. Did he want me to eat someone's face off? Because I was about to.
(Then I smiled like I was being sarcastic so as not to freak out the company, but Spouse and I both knew he was about 5 minutes from full-blown silent Lady wrath.)

So we FINALLY get on the road when Spouse tells me we have to stop at Rita's house to return a wrench to her hubby.
At that point I wanted to scream.
And when Spouse ran back to the car after returning it to tell me that Rita wanted to meet my sister, I nearly did.

So as my stomach ate itself I walked into Rita's house with my sister for introductions.

And saw balloons...

And yummy food...

And a room full of my friends all yelling SURPRISE!!!
And I got all sweaty and red-faced and teary eyed as I realized that the whole night had been a set up for my birthday party.

Dear Hussy, thanks for your organized and efficient memo pad party planning. I appreciate you vetoing all of Spouse's ideas to give me such an awesome party, even if it wasn't Indian themed. I'm sorry that in my moment of nervous surprise I forgot your dislike for PDA and hugged you, causing my boobs to touch yours. I know you hate that but I was awkward and nervous and didn't know what else to do but hug. I'm glad we were able to shake it off. I will never speak of it again.

I just noticed that we all have really good looking husbands. Especially that one all laid back on the counter with big biceps who tries to plan surprise parties for me and makes sure to buy plastic wine glasses because he knows I like things fancy.

Don't forget to enter my big birthday giveaway!!! It ends Monday at midnight!!!

BIG BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-08-10T09:10:00.002-04:00

Today is a triple feature, folks.

All Dressed Up,
My Birthday
&
A Freaking Boombastic Giveaway...With 4 Winners!!

Yep, it's my birthday! The big 2-7!
To celebrate I put on my party dress and I'm having a super-sized giveaway!

Here are the prizes:

One lucky winner will receive...

This Saylor Rose Castaway necklace and ring set!

A second winner will receive a $20 shop credit to Dark Pony Designs for more frills and lace and ruffles and bows than you can shake a stick at. But it's all so lovely, why would you want to?

Winner #3 will get the crocheted "Lady" ruffled bib necklace in your choice of color, handmade by The Semper Gumby Shoppe!

And finally, one VERY lucky winner will win a basic blog design makeover by Shay Bocks, who designed this blog and is so crazy talented it's not funny!

So, here's what you need to do to enter:

Be a follower of No Model Lady AND "like" No Model Lady on facebook, then leave a comment! (If you already have a blog design you're happy with, please let me know in your comment! You'll still be in the running for the other 3 prizes!)

FOR ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:
1) Blog about this giveaway or post a link on facebook!
2) "Like" Saylor Rose on facebook
3) "Like" Dark Pony Designs on facebook
4) "Like" The Semper Gumby Shoppe on facebook
5) "Like" Shay Bocks on facebook

Leave a comment for each additional entry and you could have a total of 6 entries! That also means you could technically win more than one prize...

*Edit: Giveaway ends Monday, August 15 at midnight!!

Did you get All Dressed Up? It would be the icing on my birthday cake if you did...

For You, ♥ Me

2011-08-06T17:39:00.010-04:00

My heart hurts for the lives lost today in Afghanistan.

It hurts for the family members who heard a knock on the door, heralding news that their son, husband or father would not be coming home. I think of how much pain those families are in right now and it brings me to tears.
It's hard to fathom that more than 6,000 men and women have been killed fighting the Taliban in Iraq and Afghanistan. Men and women who knew the risks, knew the dangers and fought anyway because they believed there was something worth fighting for.

And that's what some people don't seem to understand. I can see how it would be hard to. I know I didn't before Spouse joined the Marine Corps.
But I am living it now and I have encountered so many instances of disrespect and insensitivity. It seems that misconceptions often breed convictions that people mistake for truth. And the more they embrace their false convictions the more obnoxious they become.

So this is for you.
You who write and talk about military life without having lived it.
You who scorn the idea of patriotism as ignorance.
You who try to convince me that my husband is a puppet. That those who have died have died for nothing.
You who use your education or news source or those books you've read to show me exactly what went wrong after 9/11 and how our military made it worse.
You who tell me that Spouse should be doing something else with his life. "Something that actually makes a difference."

Your perception of military personnel as ignorant, uneducated or uninformed is offensive and inaccurate.

However... your perception of military personnel as gun-toting badasses is pretty much right on the money, so watch yourself.

♥
Me

Hallelujah it's the Freakin' Weekend!!

2011-08-05T07:44:00.005-04:00

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

In celebration of the weekend I plan on spending a minimum of 1.5 hours cruising the aisles of my local Target. Her siren song has been calling to me all week and today's the day!
Oh Target...how you woo me.

By the way, if you have a few seconds PLEASE take this little survey!! It's helping me gather demographics for my blog.
Click here to take survey

Vintage Lovely Alert!
I just spent a good 20 minutes drooling over the vintage dresses in this Etsy shop:

(The gold brocade number is gorgeous!)

Have a lovely weekend and be sure to check my Dressing Room for added items! Purses will be up by Saturday and shipping's always included in the price!

All Dressed Up...For Harry Potter

2011-08-02T23:05:00.006-04:00

Yep, I just got back from the last Harry Potter!

I'll admit...I got a little choked up during a few parts.
I don't want to give anything away so I better shut it!
(Oh, Snape...*tears*)

Okay, I'm done geeking.

Birds on a Wire Dress: Goodwill, Leggings:?, Shoes: Marshalls, Earrings: Charlotte Russe, Bracelets: Goodwill.

If you dressed up, geeked out or scored something rad, link up so I can read all about it!

Sometimes

2011-08-01T11:51:00.008-04:00

Instead of telling what I've been up to, I thought I'd just show you, by way of iPhone/Instagram pics.

Oh Man-Child, I'm sorry I break into a fit of giggles when you try to talk to me about the mystery of puberty.

Remember the vanity Spouse got me? You can read about it HERE. It's gotten yet another makeover! I love it white, don't you? A little modern, a little vintage, a little feminine...it's perfect!

This weekend I wore my new shirt, courtesy of the Hussy.

Are my bucks redundant?

I finally organized my closet overflow into this nook, which just makes me happy to look at.

Sometimes Spouse gets annoyed when dudes talk to me. So I have to reassure him that I'm committed. Reeeeeally committed. Scary-like.

Sometimes my seester tells me that that I should do an "All Dressed Down". I say I do that almost every day, I just don't like taking pictures of it.
Here you go, K-Love.

This makes me cringe and it's the best of about 20 pics I took, so don't hold your breath for more grody face shots. It's not happening.
(But you should have seen the smiling pic...my lips literally disappear. It's so creepy I can't stop looking at it.)

The Knock

2011-07-29T07:50:00.006-04:00

I've written at length about my experiences during deployments.

When Spouse was in Afghanistan he was on a tiny outpost, which meant few emails and even fewer phone calls. We usually went about 2 weeks without contact and those weeks would pass like murky water. Then he would call and for a few fleeting moments I felt the water was clear and my heart was light.
When your husband is deployed to a war zone unexpected visitors are the worst. To hear a knock and not know who it is immediately made my world go quiet. As I walked to the door my brain would say a million tiny prayers, usually consisting of one word, "no".
Not him.
No.

Luckily, it never was him and he came home to us alive and well.

However, the awful truth is that some don't.
Some knocks really are that knock.

For one fellow blogger it was three short knocks. Behind the door stood three sharply dressed men in uniform bringing news of her husband's death.
SSGT Thomas Dudley

I know not all of you are military wives and even fewer of us have any idea what she's going through, but if you could stop by her blog and just leave a few words of love, encouragement or sympathy I'm sure it would be appreciated.

The Dudley Family

All Dressed Up!

2011-07-26T22:00:00.001-04:00

Hi ladies!
Thanks for the sweet comments and messages after my last post. Another reminder of why I love to blog! We all hit a wall sometimes and I've accepted that my wall is called summer.

It's another All Dressed Up and this week I pay homage to my Danish heritage.

(Is it just me or does this photo look like an old 50's ad featuring Lady, the happy homemaker?)

I have to admit, I didn't feel entirely comfortable in this outfit. For the most part I prefer structured pieces. Pencil skirts, skinny jeans and fitted dresses make up the majority of my wardrobe. So this was a departure for me, but it was fun and definitely right for summer! And let's face it, sometimes you just need to shake things up!

Paired with my new favorite oxford wedges from Charlotte Russe, this $4 vintage J. Estes skirt was born again!

*Vintage skirt: $4-Goodwill, Slip: $2 Goodwill, Top: $4 Nordstrom Rack clearance, Red necklace $1-Goodwill, Shoes: $30 -Charlotte Russe. (For you hard-core thrifters, that's $11 for all my clothes!)

Now show me what you got!

A Little Inspiration

2011-07-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

I have been feeling a little uninspired recently.

Not just where blogging is concerned, but in my daily life.
This started off as a "What I Wore" post, but everything I wrote seemed forced and disingenuous.
There I am, smiling away like a goon when I feel totally lost.

Adorable, but lost.

As bloggers we can put out exactly what we want people to see. I can manipulate your image of me with every post, every picture. I've always been of the opinion that if you have nothing to blog about you shouldn't force it just for the sake of blogging. If so you're likely to produce crap.
Yet here I was laying out the details of an outfit and feeling like a total fraud.

I can't even tell you what the problem is because I'm not sure. Nothing major or earth-shattering. Just a little existential crisis of sorts. Creatively and domestically I have felt totally uninspired.

I've looked for inspiration everywhere I could think of.
Church, books, friends and family, inspirational quotes on Google.
But when even William Hung can't help you out you know you're screwed.

But all is not lost.
I've felt like this before and try as I might it's not something that will be forced. I will wake up one morning and I will begin to feel like myself once again. Then I will enjoy a quiet moment or a peaceful calm and I will know that I'm in recovery; the fog is lifting. And it's when my mind is clear that inspiration will return. Right now there's simply no room for it.

Lovely Creations

2011-07-22T07:44:00.008-04:00

Some of you might recall the pre-deployment pics we took before Spouse left last time. I loved them so much and wanted to find a way to make this one (my favorite) more of a work of art than just a framed photo. So I asked my lovely and talented blogger friend Stephanie Kelly to work some artistic magic.

This is what she came up with:

A-maz-ing.

This girl is wicked talented and she just opened her own Etsy shop! Everything she creates is stunning, but this is my shop favorite:

Go check her ou t to see the rest of her lovely creations ♥

Don't Be A Sinner...Be a Winner!

2011-07-21T08:51:00.008-04:00

Before I announce the Apothica giveaway winner, I have some links to share with you!

Have you checked out The Dressing Room? It's started as a "shop my closet" outlet, but I think I'm going to start adding vintage finds and see how it goes. Check it out!

Also, come find me on Facebook! If you did you would know what my white trash princess dream name is. (Alright, you twisted my arm. It's Misty Dawn.)

I love this girl. She is a military spouse rockstar and USO volunteer who is smart as hell and never talks about what she could do to help, she just does it.

Oh and I wanna get dressed up with this blogger!

I want everything in this Etsy shop.

I am loving the bustiers and tulle dreams this girl creates!

She's cheeky and I like it.

So, you're probably wondering who the lucky lady is with $25 worth of free Apothica makeup waiting for her.
Okay, okay. The winner of the Apothica giftcard is....

Sylvia C

Congrats, Sylvia!! Email me to claim your prize (nomodellady@gmail.com)!

All Dressed Up!

2011-07-20T00:00:00.001-04:00

Today's All Dressed Up is very special and not only because I got help from a friend.

Consider this my homage to Peggy Bundy; Icon of motherhood and domesticity.

Hooray for having Jessica back from Texas to play again! I had to wear a wig to get Peggy hair, but she didn't have to do a thing to hers.
I guess you can take the girl out of Texas, but you can't take Texas out of the girl.

Don't forget, today is the last day to enter the Apothica makeup giveaway for a $25 git card!

Did you dress up?
Link up below!

Weekend in Charlotte

2011-07-18T07:54:00.013-04:00

This weekend was nonstop until last night, when I parked it on the couch and allowed myself to go into a Dexter coma.

Friday night the CherryBlossoms crew drove to Charlotte, NC for the APBF Benefit Concert. We finally got there and got to sleep around 2am, then woke bright and early Saturday and got suited up for the benefit. We represented Pinups For Pitbulls, which was so much fun and hopefully helped raise money and awareness!

*Our flower hair clips were made by Celia of Pinup Posies. I wore the most stunning pink orchids and got a ton of compliments! Go check out her Etsy shop! A portion of her sales go to Pinups For Pitbulls!!

Shorty (AKA Pit Boss)

Did you know I've never been to a concert before this? Ever. Seriously, I'm that lame.
All the bands and musicians were AWESOME! My favorite was John Shipe, who also happened to be incredibly sweet and polite without a trace of douchebaggery, scoring him extra points with me.

Today marks the start of my month-long hiatus from work!! Woohoo! I love my job, but it's nice to get to recharge my creative juices, regroup, get organized and hang out with my boys! Look out, summer!

An All Dressed Up Anniversary!

2011-07-12T22:05:00.006-04:00

It's Wednesday again, which means it's All Dressed Up Day!

I wanted to do something special for my 25th All Dressed Up, but it came and went before I realized it! Today now marks my 27th All Dressed Up! That's almost 7 months since I started and that's longer than Spouse and I dated before we got married, so I guess that makes this pretty serious.

As I looked through the past photos I was reminded of why I love doing this.
It's ridiculously fun.

I've sported tutus, school uniforms, corsets, sequins, wigs, pink hair, faux fur, gold lamé and everything in between. There is something really empowering in not caring what others might think or say. And luckily, I care less and less with each passing year.

I used to be horrified at the thought of aging, but then I looked at a heinous old ID photo and realized that I've gotten hotter with age.
No joke.
I'm about to lay some truth on you, because I think you'll recognize it in your own life.
When you are young you try on so many different personalities and styles based on trends, fads, rebellion and inexperience. You either try to fit in or you try desperately to stand out.
But with age comes experience. I know what I like and I know what looks good on my body. I still look like a hot mess sometimes, but I don't care as much when I do. Trial and error. I am more confident at 26 than I ever was in my teens or early 20s.
If this keeps up I will be the sauciest minx in the nursing home.

But don't worry, I'm not getting cocky.
Need I remind you of the infamous ill-fitting dress AND rock-on hand in the USMC Ball of '10?
Or perhaps the horror of Halloween '06?

*Re. The USMC Ball edit: Trust me, my face was truly disturbing. What was I looking at? We'll never know for sure.

I'm sure there will be more unfortunate moments like these in my future. But these moments are memories so it's okay with me.

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” -Dr. Seuss

Happy Anniversary to all the people who matter and don't mind!
Link up below! (Link will be open until Friday!)

Weekend At The Beach

2011-07-12T07:00:00.001-04:00

We got on the road Friday after we both finished up at work. I had my cat eyes on and I must say, they might have been my best yet. No crazy quizzical expression = success.

The Detour.
We stopped at my favorite antique store, full of a huge variety of treasures.

Like this wedding photo in a vintage frame.

At least, I think it's a wedding photo. It's hard to see anything besides eyebrows.

You all know from my last post how well the first night went.
However, the next morning Spouse and I went for a walk on the beach and despite the fog and the chill, it was beautiful.

The sun finally came out later that day so we returned to the beach.

Spouse had spent a good part of the morning praying for surf and while the waves were babies, he caught a few. We're used to East coast surf by now, so he takes what he can get.

We tried to have some pics taken, but the sun was so blinding we kept having to look down to give our eyes a break.
This is an outtake, but I like the appearance of familial shame.

Brothers.

*Summer*

TMI and Not Enough TP

2011-07-10T17:51:00.005-04:00

If you are easily offended, a prude or just not in the mood to find humor in an embarrassing situation, this post in not for you. Don't worry, I will regret this almost immediately after posting it.

Picture This.
You just drove five hours to your husband's family reunion.
You're a little apprehensive because the last time you saw these relatives you were less...tattooed.
So you're looking to make a good first impression in hopes that maybe they won't notice the 10 point buck on your forearm.

You walk through the sprawling beach house and into the living room of cousins, aunts and uncles. There are hugs and greetings, when suddenly you become acutely aware that your monthly gift has arrived...a week early.
You ask for directions to the restroom and you are somehow not surprised when they point to the door one foot away from EVERYONE, directly in the main living room.
You curse the builders as you shimmy over to it and smile graciously as you shut the door.

You can't turn on the fan or everyone will think you're actually using the restroom, so you go into stealth mode, silently rummaging through your purse for what you know you don't have because this is a week early and you are not prepared.

Okay, regroup. Breath deeply. You're just going to have to clean up and hightail it to the gas station for supplies.

It is then, in silent, stealth-mode horror that you realize that there is no toilet paper.
Not a shred.
Your face starts to burn as you realize that you can't open the door, even a crack, without a minimum of 10 people seeing you at your most vulnerable. And there is no way you are going to sit and yell for TP until there is a lull in the conversation out there and someone hears you.
No, you can't turn back now.

You dig through that mother of a purse that you cart around, praying for something, ANYTHING to help.

But all you have is a $30 pack of Alpha Beta Glow Pad facial rejuvenation wipes.
You read the pretty package:
"Microencapsulated DHA and Soy Proteins deliver color deep into skin to prevent fading through surface exfoliation. Alpha & Beta Hydroxy Acids exfoliate, tighten pores, eliminate blackheads and help fade existing sunspots for an even, streak-free glow. Vitamin D is known for enhancing the benefits of the additional vitamins and antioxidants found in the formula. Glow Pad transforms dull texture and tone into radiant, glowing skin better than Mother Nature herself - reducing the need for foundation and concealer."

You can't use them. Yet you must.
And it is times like this, sitting in a bathroom using facial rejuvenating tanning wipes on your nether-region that you fully realize the plight of woman.

Apothica Makeup Giveaway!

2011-07-07T08:00:00.003-04:00

Hey ladies!

I am so excited to introduce you to my newest sponsor!

Apothica is an online beauty boutique, which carries the best selection of skin care, body care, fragrances, and cosmetics. Apothica carries all the top makeup brands, including Stila, Smashbox, DuWop and my personal favorite, Too Faced!

I use my Too Faced Teddy Bear Hair brushes every day and I will never use anything else! They are high quality and never lose shape. And when I’m feeling saucy I whip out my Too Faced Smoky Eye palette. I have used all these brands for years and would never recommend products I don’t really love!

Apothica is offering one lucky No Model Lady reader a $25 gift certificate! Aren’t they the dreamiest?

To enter, go check out Apothica.com and leave me a comment telling me what your favorite brand is!

For extra entries you can:

1) "Like" Apothica on Facebook and leave them some comment love, then comment back here letting me know!

2) Tweet about this giveaway using the tag @Apothica and leave a comment here so I know!

3) Blog about this giveaway for 2 extra entries and leave me a comment so I know (you don't need to leave 2 comments for this, I'll add your extra entries manually)!

A winner will be announced on July 21, so you have 2 weeks to get your extra entries in! Good luck!

All Dressed Up

2011-07-05T21:17:00.004-04:00

Hi guys!

I am a dirty cheater. This is a still-shot from a promo video I did for work.

However, I love this dress and my hair was smokin' so I couldn't waste it. Expect a tutorial very soon...

This week at work the most lovely girl ever came in with her grandmother's vintage hat still in the box. It was deep brown velvet, Ostrich feathers and a black birdcage veil and it was exquisite. It had two vintage bobby pins still tucked into the side and she looked so amazing in it. Granted, I considered stealing it for a brief second, but all I could do was stare at this beautiful girl in her beautiful hat and think about the history behind it all.

There is a certain magic in vintage items and that is what I love about my job. It's not just a pretty picture. It's trying to capture some of that magic.

Did you dress up this week?

Checking In

2011-07-05T07:00:00.001-04:00

Hey guys! I hope you all had a lovely holiday weekend!

I must admit, I've missed blogging.

I haven't had a lot of time since work started getting so crazy, so here's my attempt to play catch up!

We bought a second car. Trying to share one car between two working adults was causing a bit of tension.

It's a Corolla. It's very balleresque. Sometimes when the Hussy's been real sweet I take her out in it.

I've been working.

A lot.

We are crazy busy and I am tired when I get home, but I love it so much!

Spouse and I are addicted...to the farmers market.

Going there makes Spouse want to quit this Marine Corps gig, open a coffee shop/wine bar/gelato shop COMBO (two weeks in Italy and now he acts like he misses his homeland), read the New York Times every morning and surf in the afternoon.

Ie. The Farmers Market turns Spouse into a dirty hippie.

Sometimes I take pictures of large men on tiny scooters.

The boys are at the beach with their grandma this week, so I can work without guilt! Seriously, I don't know how working mamas do it. I have been overcompensating my guilt away by buying the boys sugary cereals and treats to make up for the time away (I usually don't let them eat that crap). Me working has been an adjustment for everyone. Even Spouse. When I have work to do at night he tries to lure me out of the office with TCM movies and delicious food.

It usually works.

And lastly, I started a blog called The Dressing Room. It's basically a "shop my closet" site and I'm slowly adding new stuff to it, so check it out! It's all never been worn or gently used and shipping is included in all the prices. It's still a tad sparse, but I will be posting a bunch of new items later today!

Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary

2011-07-01T15:57:00.003-04:00

I don't have much time so I'll make this short and sweet!

The WINNER of the Angel Cake giveaway is....

Mary of The Edge of Blue!!

Congrats!

Email me at nomodellady@gmail.com for instructions on how to redeem your credit!

All Dressed Up!

2011-06-28T22:00:00.001-04:00

Confession time.
I did not look like this all day.
In fact, I only had my hair and makeup done for a shoot at work and the heels were thrown on at the last second after I came home and realized I had no pictures for today's post.

Luckily, I think the hair is amazing enough to carry me through this week's All Dressed Up.

Dress: Roxy, Shoes: Old Navy, Hair: Tabatha @ CherryBlossoms Pinup Studio

Don't forget about the Angel Cake giveaway ending Friday!

Link up below for this week's All Dressed Up!

Angel Cake Giveaway!

2011-06-27T06:33:00.009-04:00

If you couldn't tell from my All Dressed Up button, I have a slight obsession with bow ties, so I was seriously giddy when I stumbled upon Angel Cake's Etsy shop, full of bow tie necklaces of various sizes and colors!

There's the classic black ( my personal favorite), seen here:

Or there's pink:

Or if you don't share my love of bow ties, there's a little Hello Kitty Love:

Angel Cake has something for everyone, so go check out her adorable shop!

Now, on to the giveaway!!
One lucky reader will get a $25 credit to Angel Cake's Etsy shop!

To enter you must:
1) Be a NML follower and leave a comment as your entry!

For extra entries you can:
~Go to Angel Cake's Etsy shop and comment back here telling me what you would get if you won the shop credit!
~Go "like" No Model Lady on Facebook and comment back here letting me know!

Giveaway ends Friday morning!

Good luck!

Blondie

2011-06-24T19:03:00.007-04:00

I forgot to tell you!

I'm back to blonde.
I loved the pink...for about 12 hours. Then I just wanted my blonde back.
*Note to self, buy a wig next time.*

If you follow me on Facebook you know that I scored at Goodwill earlier this week and promised pics!
This vintage faux fur jacket fits like a dream and at $3.99 it's as if the Gods of Thrift smiled upon me for a brief moment in time.

Jacket: Goodwill, Necklace: Angel Cake, Shirt: Goodwill, Shorts: Target, Shoes: Charlotte Russe.

I haven't exercised in weeks.
I am about 5 pounds heavier than I would like.
I have stretch marks from pregnancy that look like a topographic map on my belly.
I hate my one little crooked tooth.

But, who cares?
Life is short and those heels are fierce, no?

♥ Friday

2011-06-24T08:51:00.010-04:00

Yes, I just learned how to make a heart icon and yes, I'm overusing it.
What can I say? I ♥ it.

Do you know what else I ♥?

Pinterest

Source: google.com via No Model on Pinterest

Source: designyoutrust.com via No Model on Pinterest

I've been a pinning fool. Come follow me and we'll pin together!

In addition to Pinterest I ♥ a little friendly competition between two bloggers.
The Hussy and I were at the same number of followers when she suggested we make things interesting.
First blogger to 1000 wins and loser buys dinner.
So I need your help to spread my word far and wide! Blog, Facebook, Twitter, homing pigeon, whatever tickles your fancy! I have the best readers ever so thank you in advance!!

And lastly, I ♥ getting comments that make me laugh.
(This idea was shamelessly stolen from Shana @ ColorBlind.)

So Misfits Vintage, thanks for making me giggle!

Misfits Vintage said...
Yeah, Gertrude, plus... newsflash... you are made of wee!
Don't mess with Lady - she is beautiful AND she will beat you at Trivial Pursuit.
(From "Anonymous" post)

I am going to pick one or two awesome comments a week to feature! You guys rock my socks off with your funny, thoughtful and supportive comments and I want you to know how much I love reading them all!

Now I'm off to go spend the day with some beautiful pinups at work! It's a hard job, but someone's got to do it...

Happy Friday!!!
♥

Anonymous

2011-06-23T06:04:00.008-04:00

I got this gem last night on my Reasonably Unreasonable post where I ranted about Spouse having the audacity to enjoy himself in Italy during this deployment:

Anonymous said...
I stumbled onto this by accident. I'm an Army wife & I've dealt with a deployment. Here's a newsflash: if someone is in Europe for the military, that's called being STATIONED somewhere- a DEPLOYMENT is in a war zone! You have fun being stationed, but you don't have fun being deployed. If he's off having fun in Europe, go there. During a deployment, you can't be together.

I don't usually respond to anonymous comments, but this time I made a special exception.

Dearest Gertrude Von Stanky Face (because if you're going to be anonymous then I get to pick your name),
Thank you for your newsflash. Also, thank you for using the term "newsflash". I haven't heard that since middle school. Had you not defined for me what a deployment was I might have always referred to his time in Afghanistan as that time he was gone for 8 months. Contrary to your definition, deployments are not always to active war zones. The US military deploys troops to various locations for a multitude of reasons.
Spouse was DEPLOYED (because I loved your use of bold letters so much), during which time he was ordered to go to Italy for a week to represent the US Marine Corps in Italy's Festa Della Repubblica parade, which commemorated the 150th anniversary of Italy's unification and the 65th anniversary of the Italian government's change to a republic.
The reason the post was titled "Reasonably Unreasonable" was because my anger was unreasonable. Did he enjoy himself in Italy? Yes. Who wouldn't? But he was there to do a job.

This snarkiness among military wives is juvenile and petty. There is a sense of entitlement some women seem to get when they've "survived" deployments, so much so that everything becomes a pissing contest to see who had it harder, whose husband was in more danger, who's stronger.
It's a pointless exercise of ego and it doesn't impress me.

All Dressed Up!

2011-06-21T22:00:00.002-04:00

Today's All Dressed Up is from Fathers Day.

I didn't get the chance to know my dad and if he's anything like Spouse I missed out.
Spouse is an awesome father...and he didn't have to be. He was handsome, single and carefree when he started dating this smokin' hot single mom (creative liberties). From the start everything included Man-Child (who was 2). We took him everywhere and never once did Spouse complain about the lack of alone time. The three of us watched movies together and played at the park long before Spouse and I shared our first kiss.
I kept waiting for him to tire of me; tire of the responsibility and stress.
But the truth is I believe he saw us as his family from the start.

Do I make fun of his old man pleated pants? Yes.
Is he the best man and greatest father I know? Hands down.

Link up below if you got dressed at all this week!
Sorry, nudists.

Discombobulation

2011-06-19T15:29:00.007-04:00

Where has my head been?

All over the place.
I was so ecstatic when Spouse came home early, but the fact is that once I get into my groove it's hard for me to adjust to big change.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining.
I've just felt a little "off" since Spouse returned.
A little discombobulated.
Disorganized.
Unfocused.

And fat.
I cannot put into words how much I've eaten since Spouse got home. It seems like we've been out to eat almost everyday.
I've got a little food baby. *Strokes belly lovingly*

So, the honeymoon homecoming phase must end. The house is a mess, bills need to be paid, we have no groceries and if I eat out one more time I'm going to need stretchy pants.

To kick things off I bought some new iTunes beat jams. You know, to motivate myself:

I also bought a new planner. Just looking at it makes me feel organized.
Kind of like how financially responsible I feel after I buy books about being financially responsible. I never read the Dave Ramsey book I purchased, but just having it makes me feel better about all our debt.

New beat jams to act as soundtrack for calorie massacre this week: Check
New planner to get me organized: Check
Sound financial plan to eliminate debt and increase savings: Hmmm...what?

All Dressed Up In Pink

2011-06-14T22:00:00.003-04:00

I remember when I was little I would put on every accessory my mom had in her arsenal.

Dressed in my finest gown (mom's old dress), I would apply the most subtle (sad clown) makeup I could manage and wear the most elegant of footwear (mom's lightening yellow pumps).
I never questioned myself.
I never felt silly.
I never felt judged.
I ALWAYS thought I looked beautiful.

There are some things from our youth worth hanging on to...

Hair and dress flowers: handmade, dress: VS online, belt: Marshalls, Necklace: Target, Bracelets: F21, Shoes: Charlotte Russe.

If this is your first All Dressed Up, click on the left sidebar link for details and link up below!!

The Return of Spouse

2011-06-12T15:22:00.004-04:00

Earlier this week Spouse told me there was a chance he would be coming home...7 months ahead of schedule. There was a position back here that needed to be filled and there was talk that Spouse was the guy for the job.

However, knowing how much the Marine Corps loves to toy with me, I didn't buy it.

Even when he told me it was official and he was definitely coming home, I didn't feel excited.
He was barely gone three months, so it was as if my brain couldn't fathom the possibility of seeing him so soon.
But fathom or not, he's back!

Like my Urban Outfitters high-waist retro bikini?
I love it too, although you must wear it with perfect posture to avoid looking like Mad TV's Lorraine...

Pincurls Shortcut!

2011-06-09T11:33:00.008-04:00

Earlier this week the lovely Ms. Betsy posted this tutorial on my No Model Lady facebook page:

Given that my hair is pretty damaged from all the bleaching it gets, I am always looking for styling methods that don't involve heat! So yesterday I decided to give it a try!

It is so very easy to do, though I cannot sleep with my hair rolled because it's still a little too short to stay put. However, I wore it rolled all day and by the evening it was pincurled to perfection!

Before you roll it your hair should be totally dry. My hair is frizzy and thick, so I used some frizz serum and gel to make it cooperate.
This is what it looked like rolled:

I feel like this hair style needed a flowing hemp skirt and patchouli oil perfume. Or a tomahawk. But regardless, it worked for a day of kids birthday parties.

When I took the headband off I used a round brush to shape the curls and then gave it a nice dose of hairspray.
And of course, pincurls just aren't complete without pinup lips and lashes!

I rate this tutorial 10/10! Unlike curlers you can leave your house without shame and there's no styling damage. If your hair is long enough to sleep in the roll, I would guess you could get a few days of curls from this!
This is officially my go-to hairstyle for summer!

All Dressed Up!

2011-06-07T23:00:00.001-04:00

You're boring.
You're boring and your hair is dumb. Almost as dumb as those boring poses. I'm going to fall asleep right now, that's how bored I am.

OMG, arm up on the door frame?!? You're SO original. Bleh, I'm gonna go eat some plain Greek yogurt, because right now that sounds more exciting than this week's All Dressed Up.

I am my own worst critic and I know I have sucked lately. The car troubles and general suck of the past few weeks has really put a damper on my creativity and inspiration.
However, let me assure you that this will be my LAST dismal dress up for quite some time.
There are so many exciting, wonderful things happening in the future, so no more rebel Pentecost outfits, I swear!

What did you wear to All Dressed Up? Link it below!! I am trying out the new "like" feature of Linky Tools, which allows you to "like" a link, similar to the facebook function. Let me know what you think!

Happy Birthday

2011-06-05T17:10:00.006-04:00

Today is my dad's birthday.

It feels odd to say that word. I have never called a man "dad" before. Mine passed away before my first birthday after what I'm told was a fierce battle with melanoma.

Throughout my life he has remained a fictional character from stories told to me by family members. I have seen his face in countless pictures, and I’ve even read some of his journals and notes. I have been given a very thorough biography of him over the years, yet he is a stranger. I have patched together fiction and fact to try to make him something I could somehow hold on to. I used to dream of him, but he always looked suspiciously like Kevin Cosner.

As I’ve gotten older I recognize that these are just the juvenile attempts to create memories that I simply don’t have. I still wonder what it would be like “if”…but it’s a pretty pointless exercise.

There is a picture on my desk of my Dad sleeping next to me soon after I was born. It is one of very few pictures I have of him with me and it’s the best one. If you have kids, you know that feeling you get when you wake up and see your new baby snoozing next to you. There is nothing better-regardless of how many kids you’ve had. That picture is solid proof that at one time, my Dad looked at me and held me and loved me.

His death left my mom a young widow and single mother of 5 and as a result a few things have been drilled into my head since I can remember.
1) Women should get a college education or maintain a skill that could support them, regardless of whether or not they plan on working. Plans change. My mom never expected to be the sole provider for 6 people, but we all know life never goes as planned.
2) Sun is not our friend. In moderation we can be causal acquaintances, but that is all.
3) If you notice a mole changing shape or color, go see a doctor ASAP!
Life is precious.

Saylor Rose Giveaway Winner!!

2011-06-05T13:03:00.004-04:00

The winner of this lovely Tiny Derby Saylor Rose necklace is.....

Comment # 77:
SAHM and Marine Wife!!

Congrats! Simply email me (nomodellady@gmail.com) your shipping info which I will then pass on to the Saylor Rose crew!

Pity Brownies Have No Calories

2011-06-03T09:37:00.003-04:00

This week was a doozie.

The kind of week so full of bad luck and small disasters that you want to go limp and crawl around on your face in defeat.
I've learned that the only thing worse than your car stalling twice in one week is taking it to a mechanic who can find nothing wrong with it.
It just...stalls at red lights sometimes.
Oh, and if you want to guarantee that something will go wrong with your car, simply splurge on new summer clothes. Within the hour you will be sitting at the repair shop waiting to sign your savings away.
It's Murphy's Law.

It is times like these that I feel like a burden on my friends. I don't like asking for help but I've had no choice lately.
Because right now, they're all I've got.

So as I eat my breakfast pity brownie I can only hope that the second mechanic on Monday will find the problem, fix it and charge me less than $50.
A girl can dream, right?

If you haven't entered my amazingly adorable Saylor Rose giveaway for this beauty:

Do it HERE!! This necklace is too perfect for summer, as are all their beautiful treasures, so for 20% your entire Saylor Rose purchase, use the coupon code nml20 .