A Blogger's "Double Life"...

 

Are there any other bloggers out there, who feel like you're leading a (quasi) "double life?" I often do. It's not that I've hidden from those around me what I'm doing on the blog... I'm actually quite proud of it.

It's just that most folks, locally, know me in my professional capacity, and not as much (or at all) in my creative, blogger role. Hmmm... Perhaps, this is something I should ponder further via my journal...

These pics were taken last Saturday morning, downtown; following my standing breakfast date with Mark.  A funny thing happened toward the end of our photo shoot...

An older, retired gentleman (very prominent, locally), who knows Mark and me; observed my posing for these shots and playfully yelled out, "Hey, Hollywood!"  I laughed and told Mark, "Guess I'll have to explain this one.  And, it also looks like I've got a new nickname."

  Khaki Chinos: American Eagle

T-shirt: Petit Bateau (best t-shirt brand ever!!!)

Sweater: Banana Republic (son or (more likely) his former girlfriend's discard)

Belt: Target

Sunnies: Target

Sneaks: Converse

Men's Watch: Pulsar

Statement Necklace: Antique shop in Tipp City, OH

These last two pics are of me reacting to being called "Hollywood," while simultaneously feeling "so busted." How many other bloggers out there are leading this same "double life?" I'd love to hear about it!

Joy and peace, T.

Perspective: Creativity's Guide...

As a little girl, I had the wonderful privilege of studying art from a talented local artist named Helen Keller (No, it's just a coincidence!).  She firmly believed that a good artist relayed things the way she saw them--without worry whether others see it the same way or not.  She called it, "perspective."  "Draw it from your perspective," she'd encourage her students.

When this week's Two Birds Inspiration Monday photo was unveiled, I immediately latched onto two primary things.  Firstly, it appeared the model (Miranda Kerr) was wearing black pantyhose (versus tights) with a pair of black booties.  The second thing was she had on a black coat.

These pics convey my perspective of this week's inspiration photo.  In order to portray it, I had to dig deeply as I had thrown away every pair of pantyhose except for one.  Thankfully, the pair I had retained was black.

Never thought I'd sport pantyhose again, but I did the other day--and I had fun with it.  In my opinion, it's not a bad look with the black booties. What do you think?

 Coat:  DKNY

Scarf: Albert Nipon (consigned)

Breton Stripe Top: LL Bean

Pendant: Gift from parents

Sunnies: Nine West

Booties: Nine West

Pencil Skirt: Macy's

Belt: Fossil

Beaded Bracelet: Gift shop in Nassau

Gloves: Target

Be sure and check out my and others' perspectives related to this week's Inspiration Monday photo.  Joy and peace! T.

Seasonal Style: Velvet Skirt

Nearly ten years ago, I bought a velvet maxi skirt to wear to a semi-formal winter event.  Funny, but I still remember how I wore it: paired it with a lavender silk blouse and a black scarf tied around my waist as a belt.  The blouse and scarf were already in my closet.  The skirt represented my last-minute way to pull together an affordably-chic look for a special event.

The nice thing about this skirt is I bought it in late January.  So, I got a sweet price on a quality-made piece. Each winter, I enjoy pulling it out--several times--to don it not only to dressier affairs, but (sometimes) to work, too.  It's one of my seasonal favorites...

 Sweater: Zara

Vest: Coldwater Creek

Belt: Thrifted

Skirt: Notations (almost 10 years old!)

Boots: Nine West

Sunnies: Target

Bangles: Etsy, antique shop (both vintage items)

Watch: Anne Klein

Statement Necklace: gifted (xo, Andrew + Amanda!)

Do you enjoy wearing velvet?  What are some of your favorite winter pieces to sport?

Joy and peace!  T.

Mindful Shopping + Being...

As promised, I'm sharing, today, what I bought during Monday's luscious artist's date.  I'm proud to say that I spent very little money and walked away with several sweet treasures.  Yes, I practiced what I like to call, "mindful shopping."  Here goes...

Vintage bangle from an antique shop ($2)

Bath Bombs (Oh yes I did!)

Simply Vera Wang Beaded Beanie ($4--after sale price and use of Kohl's cash)

Leather belt from a thrift store ($2)

My mindfulness extended beyond shopping, though.  You see, on Monday, I truly strove to see beauty everywhere: walking the streets, browsing shops, sipping Christmas Cookie flavored java as I wrote in my journal and while simply being...  Below are a few of the enchanting sights I saw...

Joy, peace and a happy "Little Friday" to you! T.

My Recent Artist's Date...

It's been a while since I've featured anything related to an artist's date here on the blog.  These sacred solo dates with myself, though, feed my soul, recharge my motivation muscles, and spur me on creatively (which is exactly what they are meant to do!).

Mark and I took a day out of our busy schedule on Monday, and headed a few hours south of where we live.  We enjoyed a good part of the day together, but also took a couple of hours to pursue what interested each of us, separately.

Me, I browsed antique shops and wrote from a sweet little coffee shop in a quaint little town.  Perhaps, tomorrow, I'll feature pics of what I saw and mindfully purchased on my little foray into bliss...  Today's photos are of what I wore (smile).

An artist's date doesn't have to be anything fancy or even involve leaving town.  You could simply take a walk in nature or journal at a neighborhood cafe while sipping tea.  There is no wrong way to experience these solo dates with yourself!

Jean Jacket:  American Eagle

Sweater: Sportables (vintage)

Jeans: Chico's

Boots: Nine West

Brooch: Vintage (consigned)

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson via TJ Maxx

Handbag: Marc Jacobs

Faux Fur Scarf: No Brand

Tell me about your last artist's date.  I would adore hearing about it!

Joy, peace and hugs, T.

The Benefits of Big Handbags & Journals...

There's a fab thing about carrying a large handbag... And, I'm not just talking about the fact that I can tote along assorted tubes of lipstick, my wallet and a portable umbrella--as well as every other necessity I tuck into my handbag each day...

Of course, these (and many other things) comprise the benefits of carrying a big handbag.  Nevertheless, the best thing is I can easily stow my journal in one, too.

This makes it convenient to pull her out and write at those times when I have an unexpected lull in time. Or...when I simply need to work things out for myself...

You see, I had a moment like that the other day. Things were simply weighing a bit more heavily on my mind than usual.  I won't say where I was or how I carved out time to write, but I did.  The amazing thing is it's a relatively-quick, no-fail, feel-good solution--every time...

Cashmere Cardigan: Marshall's

Dress: Vintage via Etsy

Belt: Michael Kors (vintage via Etsy)

Scarf: Thrifted

Tights: No Brand

Handbag: Fossil

Boots: Nine West

Sunnies: Nine West via TJ Maxx
Gloves: Target

Do you tote your journal in your handbag?  Have you found this to be a useful strategy? Please share! I'd love to hear about it.

Joy and peace, T.