Thankful Reflections

I ADORE taking time to stop and think about what makes me thankful.  It's one of the most reassuring practices there is!

A lovely Friday morning such as this seems like the perfect time to indulge in a bit of thankfulness reflection.  So, here goes...

Today, I'm feeling thankful for...

My friends:  I haven't taken the time to lunch with gal pals for several weeks.  This week, I purposefully carved out the time for two, separate lunch dates with friends.  I'm sure thankful I did!

An evening walk with my one and only:  Wednesday evening, amidst the threat of potential rain, Mark and I ventured out, after dinner, for a walk on the local college campus. The rain stayed away, and we enjoyed a wonderful walk in a beautiful setting.  I am grateful for the experience!

My home yoga practice:  It's been a busy summer.  As a result, I haven't made it to many yoga classes as of late.  I am proud to report, though, that my home yoga practice has endured. That makes me thankful!

Cooler days:  It's August, but it feels like September.  These cooler temps allow me to spend more quality time outdoors (smile). Saturday afternoon, we are planning a bike ride along a local park trail. My gratitude abounds for this lovely weather!

It's Friday: TGIF!!! Need I say more than that?

This dress: My new-to-me dress (Maggy London) is from a sweet little consignment shop in Michigan.  And, it's in mint condition.  Quality, at an affordable price; plus, as a second-hand item, it is a planet friendly purchase.  My thankfulness to the person who consigned this dress!

Dress: Maggy London (consigned)

Cardigan: Talbot's

Hat: Kohl's

Shoes: Candies via Kohl's

What are you thankful for, today?  I would adore hearing about it?

Hugs and joy!  T.

To Me, Summer Hibernation Seems Natural

Summer hibernation—it’s totally natural.  Um--wait—it’s actually winter hibernation that’s the naturally-occurring phenomenon, isn’t it?

Generally, it seems that winter is the slow, relaxed, reflective, inwardly-turned season of my life; whereas summertime tends to be the season of rapid growth, constant change and productivity.  This summer has been a bit different, though... 

You see, a flurry of activity surrounded the finalization of my book proposal in early June.  Despite the fact that my beloved proposal merely needs one final review before it is shipped off to a publisher, the simple fact is this: I haven’t carved out time to do it.  There have been no Tickled Pink Woman podcasts or videos, either, these past few months.  Instead, I’ve enjoyed indulging in stillness, rest, or time with those near and dear during my non-work hours.  

Hibernating, this summer, has been a totally organic course of action (or, perhaps, inaction).  Albeit a shift in my norm, I’m okay with it.  As the summer grows shorter, I feel an inner awakening beginning to emerge.  Who knows what fall might bring?

What’s your summer been like so far?  Are you also finding it to be a bit different from other ones? 

Joy and peace!  T.

How Style Promotes Self-Celebration

Silk Blouse: Lord & Taylor (Vintage via Etsy)

Vest: Amanda Smith (It's actually a twinset shell worn as a vest. Owned it for years.)

Maxi Skirt: B Moss (Another closet fave of mine for quite some time!)

Belt: J Crew

Statement Necklace: Vintage (Bought at area antique shop)

Sunnies: Target

Shoes: Target

I’ve featured posts on style, somewhat consistently, since thisblog launched in March 2012.  One might ask, “What’s style got to do with self-celebration?”  I say, “Plenty!”

 Style promotes...

 Courage: Being courageous takes practice.  Where better to get warmed up than by donning what expresses your inner self outwardly than via what you wear?

Authenticity:  Styling authentically means wearing what you desire versus what you think you are supposed to wear—based upon your age, gender, vocation, etc.  Of course, there are compromises.  For example, it wouldn’t be a great idea for me to sport a pair of ripped jeans into the office.  I can, however, have fun and authentically express myself by infusing vintage pieces, leopard print and maxi skirts—and do so in a manner appropriate for a professional setting.

 Creativity:  I view my life as art, and my wardrobe as my expression of who I am.  Naturally, coming up with outfits that express who I am, while simultaneously maintain appropriateness to the occasion, takes creative flair.  Like a muscle, the more I think creatively, the more creative I tend to be.

Resourcefulness:  I heart living within a budget, and I adore the planet.  Over time, I’ve learned to dress well spending much less than ever before.  When I buy vintage, consigned and thrifted pieces, I am also doing something great for the environment.  Both of these things make me feel fabulous about my efforts!

 Confidence:  When your inner light shines brightly, you have no qualms about expressing yourself on various levels.  Self-confidence takes time to build.  Expressing yourself through style is not only the pinnacle of shining brightly—it provides a wonderful building block for attaining full-fledged self-confidence.

What about you?  How does your expression of style allow you to celebrate yourself?

Joy and peace.  T.

Abundance... It's Abundant.

Abundance is a naturally-occurring phenomenon! 

Abundance--it's a basic tenet of self-celebration.  How?  Well...when the concept of unlimited abundance is embraced (really, truly accepted as a steadfast fact of life), we openly grant ourselves permission--to write that book, launch that blog, open that business, etc., etc., etc.  When abundance is embraced, gone are those feelings of "There are already too many authors writing about...; therefore, I shouldn't even try."

The door for possibilities is always open, and our dreams are ours to pursue and claim.  Accepting the concept of abundance is the key to unlocking that figurative door...

Shed your thoughts that only so many "slots" or opportunities exist.  Embrace abundance.  It is abundant, and only demands your realization of it.

What have you put off as a result of thinking far too many others have already done or are doing (thus blocking your path toward this desired destination)?  Share your thoughts.  I'd love to hear them!

Joy and peace.  T.

Creative Style: Dress as a Tunic

How was your weekend?  Mine was exactly what I needed in order to relax and recharge for another busy work week!

Saturday was especially fun.  Mark and I headed out early for our standing breakfast date, downtown.  It was a bit nippy (temps in the 50's); so, I brought along a jean jacket.

Our day's agenda included a trip to Michigan to savor time with our oldest son, Andrew, and daughter-in-law, Amanda.  I dressed comfortably, as I knew we would be walking quite a bit.

The photos throughout this post feature what I wore that day (smile).  They were taken in downtown Bowling Green (both before and after breakfast). My creative style is mostly attributed to the sweet tunic I'm wearing.  It's vintage, and was originally sold as a mini dress. I've, however, always donned this yummy little frock with a pair of pants or leggings and tall boots.

Jean Jacket: Duck Head (it's been in my closet and a fave for years)

Tunic: Vintage (via Etsy)

Jeans: Chico's

Handbag: Milly

Sneaks: Converse

Sunnies: Dollar Tree

Where'd we go on our visit to Michigan?  We ventured into downtown Detroit--and it was fabulous!  We dined in enchanting Greektown, and enjoyed a leisurely walk throughout the bustling and vibrant downtown, which included charming Campus Martius (the city's heart or hub) and Comerica Park (the stadium where the Tigers play (a game was getting ready to begin)).  Sadly, I didn't take any photos.  Truly, I was too busy enjoying myself to do so!

Amanda suggested I let my blog's readers know that Detroit is alive and thriving--despite what they might read in the news.  You know what?  She's right!  So often it's easy to believe what we hear or read without experiencing the reality of things for ourselves--don't you think?

What did you do this weekend?  Have you ever sported a dress as a tunic?  Share with me your thoughts as I'd love hearing them!

Joy and peace!  T.

Time Saver: Day to Eve Style

Blouse: Michael Kors (via Etsy)

Skirt: Thrifted (no brand)

Camisole: Daisy Fuentes via Kohl's 

(enjoy using code BLOGIT10 until September 12 to get 10% off  shopping at kohls.com)

Shoes: Target

Jewelry: Vintage

Last evening was sumptuously chill.  Post dinner, I indulged in a pedi at the salon. Then, I practiced yoga at home. In a word, "Yum!"

Wednesday evening, however, Mark and I enjoyed a mid-week date night.  Following a super-busy day at the office, I deemed timesaving as my main objective in getting ready. Rather than change clothes before heading downtown for dinner, I opted to simply switch up what I was already wearing a bit by pulling my blouse off my shoulders. It's a classic look for a summertime evening out on the town...

Below are pics of my day to eve ensemble.  Our dinner out took place at a casual local pub.  To dress up or down my look further, I could have also switched out the shoes I wore and/or my accessories.

Day...

Eve...

Share with me your fave time savers (style or otherwise).  I would love hearing them!

Have a wonderful weekend!  Joy and peace.  T.

My Lazy, Hazy August Dreams

Art journal collage of my August dreams

(July 31, 2013)

There's a vintage Nat King Cole tune that extols the virtues of rolling out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer...  It resonates, as this summer has been excessively busy for me--most especially on the job.  Interestingly enough, though, I've found myself keeping up with the quickened (crazy) pace--while simultaneously feeling somewhat laid back, reflective and objective (hence, bringing about that lazy (relaxed), hazy vibe).

This month's dreams are simple. They allow me to live well, grow and seek my dreams--all in a lazy, hazy August kind of way (smile).

August's Dreams

• Treat myself to a pedi (perhaps tonight...)
• Return to yoga class (I've been practicing yoga solely at home since late May.  The good news is I've engaged, consistently, each week!)
• Indulge in a massage (next week!)
• Enjoy a day trip with Mark to Indiana
• Savor time with my family on a day trip to Michigan (this weekend!!!)
• Take myself out on an artist’s date
• Finish reading Jessica Hagy's How to be Interesting (In 10 Simple Steps)
• Read Jennifer Louden's The Woman's Comfort Book: A Self-Nurturing Guide for Restoring Balance in Your Life
• Send my book's proposal to publishing company (will provide an update soon...)
• Record a Tickled Pink Woman video
• Record a Tickled Pink Woman podcast

What do you dream of this August?  I would adore hearing about it!

Joy and peace.  T.