Fashionable Friday? (from the not so fashionable)

I am interrupting the regularly scheduled "Friday Favorites" to bring you my first-ever edition of "Fashionable Friday."And, I'm not terribly fashionable. So, here goes nothin'...

See, friends, it is entirely possible that I have lost all sense of self.

When strange fashion trends like leggings, skinny jeans, tights, exposed zippers and other 80s-inspired garb hit the fashion runways a couple of years ago, I ran... away.

I am hyper-self-aware of my body-type, and I certainly ain't the type to squeeze my not-so-small lower half into a pair of skinny jeans.

Hello, muffin-top.

A few trusted fashionista friends said "Oh, Melinda, you would look cute in skinny jeans. Paired with the right top, they work on a lot of body-types. Just give them a whirl."

"Um. No, thanks. I'm perfectly happy with my straight-leg trousers and cardigans."

I've resisted the skinny-jean trend ever since.

But, last night, in a moment of dressing room desperation, I tried on (dum-dum-dum) a horizontally striped tunic with a pair of super-stretchy-skin-tight skinny jeans.

(Seriously. What is wrong with me lately?)

The weird part - I don't think I looked terribly ridiculous.

I bought the tunic. Mostly, because it was the only one left in my size (trying to avoid shopper's regret... I can always return it if I decide I look like a clown).

I did not, however, purchase the skinny jeans.

I wanted to though. I even carried them around the store for like, an hour while having an inner-voice conversation with myself about whether it was a good idea to buy them. Ultimately, I placed them back on the rack.

But now I have a horizontally striped (did I mention I may have lost my mind?) tunic and nothing to wear it with. So, I can either return the tunic or purchase the skinny jeans.

Oh, the dilemma.

Yes, I realize there are much bigger problems in the world, but until I solve the sticky skinny jeans situation, I can't possibly move on to worldly issues.

The outfit I tried on looked something like this (although my tunic is way cuter than this one):

Personality Paradox

I never thought of myself as a “yes” person, but apparently I am. I’ve noticed recently that I emphatically say “yes” to incoming requests that I flat-out do not want to do. What’s up with that?

Kindness is a curse.

But I never exactly thought of myself as a “kind” person either.

Perhaps “yesness” is a curse?

The funny thing: I’ve always thought of myself as a pretty assertive person (my closest family and friends would agree with this, I’m certain). But in some situations my confident personality takes a back seat and I become meek, easily swayed and –dare I say it?– a friggin’ doormat.

How embarrassing.

See… in my personal life I can’t keep my mouth shut (my husband definitely agrees with this self-assessment). I offer way too much information all the time. I wear my heart (and my opinions) on my sleeve. In my professional life, however, I am much more reserved. I know my role and try not to speak out of turn, even if I have strong opinions about something. I say “yes” to nearly every request that comes my way simply because I don’t want to create conflict. Even if the request is unrealistic or unfair, I’m likely to say “Yes, ma’am. Absolutely.”

My willingness is so annoying; I am beginning to get on my own nerves.

What's the best way to balance this work/life personality paradox? No, really. I'm asking.

Courtesy

Brain Clutter

Ever feel like you’re inspired to do everything? That’s me, lately. I want to paint, craft, sew, garden, exercise, purge (closets, attic, etc.), get a new hairstyle, re-decorate, write, read, find a church, plan vacations (yes, more vacations), visit friends, take weekend roadtrips, and on, and on, and on and on.

Feels like there are a bazillion thoughts trapped in my little head. Need to, want to, must do STUFF.

My thoughts, ideas and to-do lists are cluttering the countertops in my brain. You know that feeling… like there’s shit everywhere, yet you can’t find the one thing you’re looking for. It’s like an episode of Hoarding: Buried Alive…in my head.

How do I clean up the brain clutter without throwing out my thoughts, ideas and to-do lists? I like that stuff, and someday, somehow I will get around to doing all of it. But in the meantime I need a filing system!

Courtesy

Another Sanibel Vacation

Jonathan and I just returned from another fantastic vacation at Sanibel Island. My family has been visiting the little piece of paradise for 15 years now, and it seems like every time we return we rediscover why we love it.

Here's a quick re-cap of our vacay...


Fishing trip

A family of dolphins decided to put on a little show behind our boat

My attempt at being a creative photographer (or something like that)

Dinner at Doc Ford's, one of our favorite Sanibel restaurants

Jon and me

Gorgeous sunset

Paradise...

Mom and me before dinner one night

Mom and Dwight at dinner

Another day at the beach, another sunset

My sweetie and me... awe!

My handsome husband

The cover of our romance novel

I'm already hooked... no need to hook me again, Jonny

The more dramatic the cast, the further it goes. It's a fact.

Last sunset... it was a beauty







Perfect end to another fabulous vacation!

Happy Birthday, Husband!

Better late than never, right?

Way back when (on August 9), my better half embarked upon the final 365 of his 20s. Hard to believe the big 3-0 is right around the corner. (Yikes!)

Since the hubs is quite the cook, I decided to surprise him for his birthday with a cooking class at Viking Cooking School.

The Italian grill experience was a lot of fun (even for me)!

The menu:

• grilled pizza with tomatoes and arugula
• Tuscan style beefsteak for two
  
• grilled radicchio and endive salad with spicy pine nuts and warm pancetta vinaigrette
  
• grilled peaches with amaretto sauce and vanilla ice cream
  

It was super yum!


The birthday boy!

Prep work

Our spread after everything was prepped

Jonathan and me celebrating his birthday. Yes, I brought my own apron to cooking school. It might be the only time I ever wear it!

Mid-meal photo-op.

Happy Birthday, Husband!

Little Leah Turns 2!

Remember when my favorite little lady, Leah, turned one?

Seems like yesterday, y'all. I must be getting old, because time is flying by like never before.

Well, another year has passed, and Leah turned two at the end of July. Since my mom and I are awesome (and might have too much time on our hands), we threw her a fabulous birthday party.

Here are some photos from the day (still kicking myself because I forgot to have my picture made with the Birthday Girl).


All little girls like pink, right?

Yummy snacks.

Our lovely cupcake creations.

Even a two-year-old can appreciate a fresh bouquet of flowers!

Pretty.

Leah and Seth playing in her new tent.

Peek-A-Boo!

By the time she's three, she'll be convinced that she's actually a princess. No, we're not creating a monster. Not at all.

Mamaw, Aunt Geneva and Aunt Francis with Leah

Leah and her Mommy

I might be bias, but this kid has personality.

The smasher cake

She was very amused by everyone singing Happy Birthday.

Blowing out the candles!

I think she was afraid to get her hands dirty...

I love this!

Her plate got moved a bit, but she still refused to get her hands dirty.

Looks like the day was a success!