fOrMaL aFfAiR: pArT 2

I have a new favorite store thanks to Miss Beth over at Odd Girl Out!  In the post before last I was searching for some fairly formal attire for an upcoming work function and as stated I haven't been to a formal affair since Prom circa 1996 and well, I've been a bridesmaid a time or two and a bride once- but those really don't count.  Anyway to make a not so long story even shorter, I found something at the Shabby Apple- I must have been hiding under a rock to not know about this wonderful "anything but shabby" little venue.  And to make things even more attractive, they are running a 20% off sale through the end of January- this definitely helped sway my decision towards the "to buy" rather than the "to not to buy".  Heck, even with the 20% off I am still having a hard time justifying my purchase- I can think of so many other things I should have or could have or better yet not have spent at all $75 on, but hey 1996 remember and I can definitely wear this one again.  Seriously, I think I could have added one of everything at the Shabby Apple to my cart. And if you happen to stop in, you must check out the little girls clothes- they are to die for.

OK- not for sure why I decided on this little number.  But yes, I did kind of want something covering my back and shoulders (I have always been self conscious of these areas of me for some reason), I like the length, and I fell in love with the black at the idea that I could add a little bit of color by replacing the black sash with one of color and add a few other bold accessories.  Who knows I may even throw in some nail polish and lipstick.

Anyway, that's that.  Thanks again Beth- I owe you one. 

Did I mention, that it is freezing cold here in Missouri- I hate to say it, but wearing anything less than knee highs, long pants, and multiple long sleeved shirts isn't sounding too appealing to me right now.  Let's hope it warms up a little over the next week and a half (I'll even take double digits at this point) otherwise I may be wearing these with my dress instead of panty hose.

SWEET DREAMS.

(. . . and one more thing, Isla is finally sleeping through the night.
So sweet dreams indeed for you and ME!)

fOrMaL aFfAiR.

In a little over two weeks, we are hosting a work function formal affair.  In one way I am getting kinda giddy about being able to get all dressed up and accented with all sorts of beautifulness (I have to say that I like shopping for accents like jewelry, shoes, hair accessories, tights, etc. alot more than I like shopping for actual clothes).  And I am especially giddy about getting my hair done- soooooooo excited about this even though it is very short now.  Another thing I am just giddy about is seeing my wonderful husband all snazzed up.

However, lets get to the other side of the story.  Prom 1996- I believe this is the last time I actually got dressed up in fairly formal attire.  Lets face it, things have changed alot since then and styles haven't quite come back around to the mid 90s yet, or have they?!  Plus, since having kids, I notice my sense of style is somewhat lacking due to less time and money spent shopping and searching through the latest fashion mags.  I mean its not horrible, but yes, it is lacking especially when it comes to formal wear. 

The search begins . . . at the suggestion from a friend, I started searching aimlessly on JCrew's website (sale dresses).  Here is what I found.

1) I am thinking a shorter style dress - because I am short.

2) I am thinking something pretty plain so I can dress up with some fun accessories.

3) I am thinking a camisole cardigan because I am pasty white with lots of dry skin - it is so bad that I think I need a dress with long sleeves and a purchase of some very thick tights.

  This is when I wish I had the mad designing/ sewing skills like those on "Project Runway".  When it comes to lots of things, I can always kinda picture what I want, but I usually have a hard time finding it and when I do find it I usually don't have the money to purchase it :0)! Oh well, in this particular situation, it will be fun looking.  And when it comes down to it, because 1996 was a long long ago, dressing up in anything semi-formal to formal should be tons of fun!

work and play.

For the most part, I like my blog to be a "work-free" zone, but I wanted to post a few pics from our meeting this past weekend.  It was a great success with the help of so many talented people - thank you.  Planning, preparing, and the production of these large meetings is one of the most enjoyable yet stressful aspects of my job.  I have found that in life the things that bring about the most stress usually also give you the greatest sense of accomplishment (upon their successful completion that is - successful being the key word).  After all, isn't that what pushes you to work through the "I don't want tos" and "I'm tireds" - that thought of what it feels like to have completed a job well done. Anyway, enough philosophy for now :).

Also, check out these guys and this song they made up about Aflac and getting paid on a claim.  They came to the meeting to sing "Aflac's Got Your Back" and another song they made up just for our meeting.  They are two very talented guys.   We also had an awesome guest speaker - Byrd Baggett, CPS.  When I saw he had brought a "track" relay baton as a prop for his speech, I knew he would have a good story to tell and one that I would especially be interested in. 

Oh, by the way, the meeting had a baseball theme.  As if you hadn't already come to that conclusion.

Someone has already found a new use for some of the decor.

so long for now.

be back soon.

I promise I haven't forgotten about my dear blog.  I have been crazy busy with work - we are hosting a big meeting/ awards celebration tomorrow for our entire state (around 300 people) in St. Louis.  Until after it is over, I feel like the rest of my life has been put on hold.  Hopefully it goes well and I can let out a big sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh of relief come Sunday.  Wish me LUCK!!!!!!!

                                                                                                                         BE BACK SOON!