Sunday, August 31, 2014

In Style and Life: Less is More...



By the time this post is published, I'll have just arrived back from a week-long (and much needed) vacation in New England (will feature vacay photos in coming posts).


Today's brevity (in words) celebrates the fact that less can be more. That's right--sometimes, the less said the better.


The simpler the style--the more elegant.  Either way, the use of less can certainly make the strongest statement--all by itself.


My next two weekends are pretty action packed... Plus, I'm fresh back from a wonderful, yet adventuresome holiday away...


With that in mind, I'm planning on taking it slow and easy this Labor Day weekend.  It all supports my assertion: less is more.


 Scarf: Thrifted
Top: Old Navy
Jeans: DKNY
Shoes: Charming Charlie
Handbag: Vintage Dooney & Bourke (antique shop)
Sunnies: Firmoo
Men's Diamond Watch: Yard Sale Score
Bakelite Bangle: Vintage (antique shop)
Tri-colored Bangle: MNG by Mango


What is on your agenda this weekend?  Would love hearing about it!

Joy & peace, T.

BTW, I'm linking this post on Monday to the Two Birds' Inspiration Monday...

Monday, August 25, 2014

Small Indulgences...



Super-long weeks equate to deserved indulgences...such as taking a walk in a local botanical garden, opening that bottle of wine saved for a special occasion, spending an evening on the patio reading (you know I could go on!)...


One day last week seemed especially lengthy... So, post work, I drove over to the Walgreens and picked up a new bottle of nail polish (Essie Strut Your Stuff).  I had built up rewards points (meaning my purchase totaled $3 plus tax).  Talk about a small indulgence...



Then, I headed off to a sweet little antique shop, downtown--to browse.  Like the $2 enamel sailboat broach I purchased there?  I adore enamel jewelry and anything nautical; so, this was a major score (smile).


The greatest treat I gave myself that evening, however, came via my ability to listen to my own inner wisdom--in order to resolve a quandary I had.  Truly, this is my idea self-indulgence!

 Dress (worn as skirt): c/o eShakti
Top: L.L. Bean
Shoes: TOMS
Scarf (worn as belt): American Eagle
Handbag: Sole Society
Sunnies: c/o Firmoo
Enamel Brooch: Vintage (antique store purchase)
Men's Watch: Pulsar (gifted)


What small indulgence gave you great joy--as of late?  Would love to hear about it!

Joy, grace & peace, T.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Standards Not Compromised: Featuring Firmoo Sunnies


Last fall, the folks at Firmoo asked if I'd like to review a courtesy pair of their sunglasses.  I did, and as you'll see from this past review, I was quite pleased. In fact, I was impressed enough I even purchased a subsequent pair of Firmoo sunnies this past spring in another style (see those featured in this past post).


Recently, when Firmoo asked if I'd like to select and feature another pair of sunnies on the blog, there was no hesitation to do so.  I adore the style of these, don't you?  And, as with my other two pair of Firmoo sunnies, the quality is top notch, the ordering process easy and delivery speedy. Another things I like... Firmoo has a Virtual Look Viewer that makes checking whether a pair of frames works for you or not--beforehand.


I'm proud to say, I do not accept every offer that comes before me for this blog.  I do my homework first.  Those vendors who sell products I believe I would be interested in purchasing myself--are the only ones I feature in my written posts. And, my assessments of what I review are straightforward.


As I've grown my authentic self, I've adhered to certain standards I refuse to compromise on: speaking my truth, putting my best foot forward and living well are amongst three of the many areas of my life this includes.  Expecting the best means no compromises on certain matters!




Sunnies: c/o Firmoo
Jean Vest: Old Navy
Belt: Urban Outfitters
Handbag: Milly
Shoes: Sperry
Brooch: Vintage (antique shop purchase)
Dress: Local Boutique Purchase 
Bakelite Bangles: Vintage (Etsy and antique shop)


Wishing you joy, peace and a day filled with standards not compromised!  T.

BTW, I'm linking this post (on Thursday) to Let Your Light Shine Thursday and Spotlight Weekly Link-Up #54 and on Friday to Simple Sequins.  I'll continue to post (as usual) next week, but (starting tomorrow) I'm taking a break from social networking and blog visits for a week--so I can enjoy sacred time with loved ones.  If you visit my blog and comment--I promise to get back with you on your blog later next week!  xx T.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Insights from Yoga Class...



"You deserve the comforts of safety, freedom and community..." It's a small portion of a guided meditation an instructor led during a recent yoga class I attended.



The pursuit of those three things: safety, freedom and community--truly resonated with me.  Here's why...


I want to be safe from:
  • thoughts that don't serve me well;
  • the need to please; and
  • self-judment.

I seek the freedom to:
  • speak my truth;
  • express myself artistically; and
  • take calculated risks.


Cultivating community:
  • enriches the quality of my life through deeper connections with others; 
  • expands my horizons in too many ways to count; and
  • enables me to reach out, share my gifts.

 Shirtdress: Ralph Lauren (consigned)
Belt: Land's End (thrifted)
Handbag: Fossil
Heels: Nine West
Cardigan: Tommy Hilfiger
Sunnies: Vera Bradley
Art Deco Glass Beads: Vintage via Etsy
Men's Watch: Hubby's Discard
Silver ID Bracelet: Hubby's


Tell me about a recent insight that touched your soul.  Would adore hearing about it!

Joy & peace.  T.

This post will be linked (on Tuesday) to Style Sessions  and Confident Twosday. On Wednesday, linking to: What I wore: The Pleated Poppy.

Monday, August 18, 2014

Groundedness via Nature...



As of late, I'm on a newfound quest... This one has me mindfully immersing myself daily (somehow--even if only for a few minutes) in nature.


That might seem like an easy thing to do.  Truth is, it's no small feat.


You see, like so many others, I get caught up in life's busyness. I work at least five days a week; eight hours a day from an office (fortunately, there are two large windows in my office!). Taking time to appreciate this world's natural wonders is often the last thing I even remember to do.


Connecting with nature has a way of grounding me--much like writing in my journal does.  As a result, I'm vowing to consciously get in touch with nature each day.  Some days, that might equate to me merely giving thanks for the lovely sights I'll see while driving in my car.  On others, it might mean I'm walking outdoors after dinner; enjoying the feel of a soft breeze upon my face.

Jean Shirt: Piace Boutique (Bloomington, IN)
Skirt: J. Jill (thrifted)
Handbag: Kate Spade Saturday
Heels: Candies
Sunnies: Helix via Kohl's
Pearls: Antique Shop
Men's Watch: Pulsar (gifted)
Bracelet: Vintage Monet



Inspire me!  Share with me one way you plan on getting your nature on today!

Joy & peace, T.

BTW, I'm linking this post on Monday to Two Birds' Inspiration Monday.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

My Self-Nurturing Saturday...


Last Saturday, I shook things up a bit.  As you may already know, this is something I try to do from time to time (smile).


Post breakfast on the patio (next to one of my beloved flower gardens), I headed out to a yoga class.  It was (in a word) heavenly!  I even met up with a friend there, and we practiced side by side.


Afterwards, I came home and journaled from my backyard (yes, amidst my flowers). Then, I headed off for a pedi at a nearby salon.


Once back home, I collaged in my art journal--where I also wrote out my dreams for this blog's future.  Then (yes you guessed it), I left again.  This time, I was off for a relaxing one-hour massage.

Blog dreams and collage...in my art journal...



Know what I did afterwards?  Yup, came home for a nap before my dinner date, downtown, with Mark (these pics were taken about a block away from where we dined). This was likely one of the most self-nurturing days I've had in a long time, and it was so well worth it!

 Blouse: c/o Rosegal
Jeans: L.L. Bean Signature
Shoes: Charming Charlie
Sunnies: Nine West
Headband: TranquiliT
Statement Necklace: Jennifer Lopez via Kohl's
Stone Bracelet: Gift Shop in Nassau, Bahamas
Wrap Bracelet: Fair Trade Boutique in Evergreen, Colorado
Handbag: Vera Bradley


What can you do to nurture yourself today?  Would love to hear about it.

Joy & peace, T.

This post will be linked (Thursday) to:  Treasure Tromp  Let Your Light Shine  * Spotlight Weekly  Tres Chic Fashion Thursday Over 50 Feeling 40 * Simply Just Lovely * The Life of the Party and on (Friday) to: Simple Sequins  * Style Elixir * Rachel the Hat * Favorite Fashion Friday 


Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Beautiful Thoughts...


Last week, while attending an evening yoga class, I heard something truly inspiring...


While we (the students in her class) were crescent posed (arms outreached), our yoga instructor asked us to imagine ourselves casting away all the day's less-than-desired events.  It's a beautiful thought, yes?


Here are a few more beauteous thoughts (These are courtesy of my recent Twitter postings):
  • Intentions set=universe summoned.
  • Forgive and see what joy you get back.
  • Inner whisperings=innate wisdom.



Top: L.L. Bean
Maxi Dress (worn as skirt): Liz Claiborne (thrifted)
Scarf: Local Boutique
Shoes: Candies
Handbag: Juicy Couture
Bangle Bracelet: MNG by Mango
Men's Watch: Pulsar (gifted)
Sunnies: Firmoo


Speaking of Twitter, I'd love to have you follow me there!  As on GFC, I follow back, BTW.  My twitter handle is@TickledPinkTina.  You can access my Twitter page here.

Share with me your beautiful thoughts. I'd love hearing them!

Joy & peace. T.

This post will be linked (on Tuesday) to Style Sessions  and Confident Twosday.

On Wednesday, linking to: What I wore: The Pleated Poppy.