Rule-breaking Done Right...

Ever establish "rules" for yourself; only to fully realize they make no sense and need to be broken? I do.

Case in point... Last Friday, I was slated to attend a local women's leadership conference (complete with inspiring women speakers, fabulous amenities and a gourmet lunch). I had actually planned on meeting a dear friend/mentor there. Problem was (in my mind), I had way too much to do at the office. An abundance of to do's and deadlines loomed.

Then, I realized: Hey, I'm in charge, here. I got this. There's no rule saying I can't take a needed day of rest from it all to re-charge.  So, I did.

Glad that's the way I proceeded, too. So very much that was presented that day resonated with me on a personal level. Plus, it was so soul-enriching to spend time with my sweet friend/mentor.

I broke the rules a bit more that day... During the networking breakout session, she and I slipped off to an onsite Starbucks to sip tea while supporting and mentoring each other on work-related matters.  Yup, I broke the rules on a couple of fronts; quite effectively, too.

 Silk Blouse:  Topshop

Cashmere Sweater: Vintage Michael Kors (Etsy)

Jeans: Loft

Booties: G.C. Shoes

Pendant: Vintage (local antique shop)

Bracelet: Vintage (local antique shop)

Men's Watch: Pulsar (gifted)

Handbag: Coach

Sunnies: Vera Bradley

Okay, fellow rule breakers (smile), share with me how you effectively "break" self-mandated and other edicts that no longer serve you. I'd love hearing about it!

Joy, grace and hugs, T.

This post will be linked (on Tuesday) to Style Sessions, Garay Treasures and Confident Twosday.  On Wednesday, I'll link to The Pleated Poppy and Whatcha Wearing Wednesday. 

Daring to Dream...

Through the years, visioning is something I've done quite effectively.  In the past, I've seen myself being called for various job offers, transcending work-related challenges and being the recipient of various educational and writing awards I've wanted.

Visioning has become somewhat of a "lost" art as of late, however. Truly, I've forgotten how effective the power of "dreaming it so" can be.  Certainly, just "getting in there and doing it" is a must, but visioning is an essential component for achievement, too. It's a two-step process (doing + envisioning it getting done).

My journal is a great starting point for visioning. It's there where I get a sense of what it is I'd like to envision for myself.  From that point, it's simply a matter of seeing (in my mind's eye) what I want to see as I work toward realizing my goals.

 Cashmere Sweater: No brand and older

Blouse: Nine & Co. (thrifted)

Black Jeans: L.L. Bean Signature

Heels: Rampage

Necklace: Simply Vera Wang via Kohl's

Sunnies: Nine West

Handbag: Kate Spade

Lipstick: NARS Red Lizard

Tell me... What great things are you envisioning for yourself? Would love hearing about them!

Joy & peace, T.

BTW, I'm linking this post to Not Dead Yet Style (Sunday) and the Two Birds' Inspiration Monday (Monday).  

Timeless Classics: Anjolee Bracelet Review

Recently, I was asked by the folks at Anjolee if I would be willing to review and feature one of their fine jewelry items on the blog.  Anjolee carries a number of gorgeous jewelry pieces including a stunning and expansive selection of diamond eternity rings.  Anjolee is family owned and operates in San Diego County, California.

A lover of beautiful jewelry, I accepted their request; selecting the exquisite silver and genuine garnet bracelet pictured above to review and feature.  There's simply nothing more elegant to me than a classically timeless jewelry item.  A quality-made piece, this lovely garnet bracelet did not disappoint, either.

Spring has sprung, and I'm already thinking of summer (smile). My warmer weather wardrobe has lots of reds and blues in it; of course, it also includes my fave staple hue (black) as well.  This bracelet will be a fabulous compliment to so many things...

My Anjolee bracelet is the real star of the post, today. Although, I couldn't resist sharing a few added photos of me sporting it.  Fittingly, I've paired it with a few timeless classics from my closet.

Are you a lover of timeless classics?  Please share your thoughts! 

Joy and grace, T.

This post will be linked (on Tuesday) to Style Sessions, Garay Treasures and Confident Twosday.  On Wednesday, I'll link to The Pleated Poppy and Whatcha Wearing Wednesday. 

Style: Wearing O' the Bright Hues...

Happy St. Paddy's Day!  These pics were taken last Sunday afternoon.  I promise I'm wearing green, again, today (smile).

To me, there's nothing that says "springtime" like a pop of bright color.  For years, though, I shied away from brighter hues like the sweater I'm sporting in these pics.

Over time, I've grown more comfortable in sporting brighter wardrobe pieces, however.  You see, the trick is to not have an overabundance of bright in one wearing...  

When I'm infusing bright via accessories, I'm more likely to blend a couple of pieces.  With a larger item of clothing (e.g. dress, sweater, pants, etc.) in a brighter shade, my preference is to pair it with more muted articles--all in a similar color palette.  

 Blanket Cape: Anne Klein

Scarf: Coach (gifted)

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson

Sweater: L.L. Bean (older)

Gray Jeans: Forever 21

Booties: G.C. Shoes (boutique purchase)

Lipstick: Clinique Super Strawberry

Are you wearing your green this St. Paddy's Day? What are your tips for sporting super-bright hues?

Joy & peace, T.


This post will be linked (on Tuesday) to Style Sessions, Garay Treasures and Confident Twosday.  On Wednesday, I'll link to The Pleated Poppy and Whatcha Wearing Wednesday. 

Citing Simple Pleasures...

Early this past Saturday morning, I heard a killdeer chirping outside my bedroom window.  During this incredibly long winter, I have missed these sweet migratory birds! So glad they have finally returned.

The temperatures are slowly rising. This past weekend, I was able to get out and about with a little less layering (Yay!).

I treated myself to a new tube of lipstick Saturday afternoon.  The woman behind the cosmetics counter told me I looked like I was in my early 30's (Believe me, this 50-something ADORED hearing that!)!

Recently, I've taken dedicated morning journal time to contemplate what's no longer working for me. This past week, I weeded a few "no longer working for me's" from my life. Yup, let the spring cleaning begin (Smile).

Post a slew of busy days this past week, I've enjoyed watching basketball playoffs in the evenings with Mark. This Hoosier-born woman is thrilled that March Madness is about to begin!

 Sweater: Vintage

Jeans: Loft

Booties: G.C. Shoes (boutique purchase)

Sunnies: Ray Ban

Handbag: Coach

Nails: Essie Bikini So Teeny

Lipstick: Clinique Crushed Grape

The sweater I'm sporting was a major-huge splurge when I purchased it in 1987. I'm proud to say I've  been gleefully wearing it (at some point) every winter since then.

Okay... It's time for you to share the joy! I'd love hearing what simple pleasures you are enjoying these days!

Joy and grace, T.

BTW, I'm linking this post to Not Dead Yet Style (Sunday) and the Two Birds' Inspiration Monday (Monday).  

Weekend Day 2 Eve: Day

On Saturdays, Mark and I generally begin our day with a standing breakfast date, downtown.  Come evening-time, we'll head back downtown to enjoy dinner out at one of our lovely town's pubs, cafes or restaurants.

Normally, I don't change my attire between breakfast and dinner.  I do, however, switch out certain things I'm sporting; such as my accessories, outerwear (in cooler seasons), lip color and even my footwear. It's a wonderful alternative to totally changing what I'm wearing.

It was cold last Saturday; so, I began the day with layers, a wool coat and leather gloves.  Since I was donning mostly muted tones, I punched this look up a bit with a bright red lipstick.  My vintage cowgirl boots signaled the weekend's full-fledged arrival.

 Coat: J.Crew

Sunnies: Ray Ban

Gloves: Coach

Blouse: J.Crew (consigned)

Sweater: Jones New York

Jeans: J.Crew Factory
Handbag: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Boots: Vintage Kinney (Vintage Vogue in Bloomington, IN)
Lipstick: NARS Red Lizard

Please let me know your thoughts about this ensemble.  I'd love to hear them! And, I'd love it if you'd visit me here on Thursday--to check out my quick and easy transition to the evening-time!

Joy & grace, T.

This post will be linked (on Tuesday) to Style Sessions, Garay Treasures and Confident Twosday.  On Wednesday, I'll link to The Pleated Poppy and Whatcha Wearing Wednesday. 

Choosing the Bright Side...

 This month, I'm vowing to consciously choose thoughts on the brighter side.  For example...

Yes, there's still snow on the ground, and it's unseasonably cold for this time of year.  However, the white stuff has begun to melt and 30 degrees is warmer than the sub-zero temps we've had for the previous weeks on end.  

I've been super-busy and incredibly challenged in my professional life. Nevertheless, there's a joy to being adept at what I do, and coming out on the other side (victoriously) of life's challenges (which I will do!).

Jacket: Vintage

Cashmere Sweater: Consigned

Glass Beads: Vintage (antique shop)

Sunnies: Nine West

Slacks: Chaps by Ralph Lauren

Booties: Nine West

Handbag: Coach

Watch: Kate Spade

Lipstick: NARS Scarlet Empress
Nails: Essie Sand Tropez

Okay, it's your turn now. Share with me your bright outlook on a situation that may seem to be initially less than "sunny."  I'd truly love hearing it!

Joy, sunny thoughts and peace! T.

BTW, I'm linking this post to Not Dead Yet Style (Sunday) and the Two Birds' Inspiration Monday (Monday).  

Tickled Pink Woman Blog is Three Years Old!

July 2012

 August 2012

On Monday, March 5, 2012, I launched this blog.  It's unimaginable that was three years ago! I can't even begin to express what beautiful occurrences have resulted because of this endeavor I've undertaken.  I get to share thoughts of what inspires me, pass along photos of my creative expression via style, and hone my craft (writing--which I adore).

July 2013

October 2013

Most treasured is the community that's formed here; alongside some of the rich friendships that have emerged.  This blog is an ever-present source of joy to me!

July 2014

 August 2014

I thought it would be fun to share (today) a few older pics.  And, yes, these are all from warmer times (smile). Click on any of the dates under these pics, to see the past posts affiliated with them.

My sincerest gratitude to all of you who read this blog, share your spirit here and enrich my life through your fellowship!

Love & grace, T.

This post will be linked (on Tuesday) to Style Sessions, Garay Treasures and Confident Twosday.  On Wednesday, I'll link to The Pleated Poppy and Whatcha Wearing Wednesday. 

What's Making Me Feel Rich...

As I write, nearly another foot of snow is blanketing northwest Ohio...  It's cold, gray and the roadways are somewhat treacherous, here.  Huge deadlines and a few long days (at work) await me this week.

 

Sometimes, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, disheartened--whatever... When that happens, I stop and honestly take stock of what really matters. Truly, it shifts my perspective.

You see, my loving husband and I enjoyed a wonderful day (yesterday) in Michigan with our beautiful and precious son, daughter-in-law and grandson. It was a day rich in love, joy and pride.

In fact, it's been a week laden with richness.  Two dear friends reached out to me unexpectedly (amongst snow, deadlines and the winter doldrums).  One wrote me the sweetest thank you note for a lunch I treated her to, recently.  In it, she told me I inspire her!  Another sent me a lovely gifted book on a subject near and dear (joie de vivre); telling me she was thinking of me!  These sweet treasures made me feel so very rich--in heart and spirit!

Coat: DKNY

Turtleneck: TranquiliT

Skirt: ModCloth

Tights: Simply Vera Wang

Booties: Nine West

Belt: Target

Handbag: Fossil

Sunnies: Ray Ban

Silk Scarf: Albert Napon (consigned)

Enamel Pendant: Vintage (local antique shop)

Gloves: Coach

Where are you finding true richness? Would love hearing about it!

Joy & peace, T.

BTW, I'm linking this post to Not Dead Yet Style (Sunday) and the Two Birds' Inspiration Monday (Monday).