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Thrifting

I spent my morning thrifting with my dear friend Terri. Although to be fair, at this point she’s more family than friend especially since her daughter will be marrying my son. Needless to say, it’s wonderful to have a friend that’s also family. We spent the morning looking for treasures. Truly there is some gold to be found in our local thrift stores. They have everything from designed clothes to beautiful glassware.

I didn’t end up buying anything. At Goodwill, I found some “Paige” jeans, but I don’t think they were authentic. They also had a pair of 7 For All Mankind, but they weren’t my size. To be clear, I’m not a prolific thrifter although I could easily become one. Years ago, I’d shop the Goodwill on Palm Beach Island that has since closed. You could literally find gold in that store. They had Gucci and Jimmy Choo shoes along with other super high end designed clothes. Honestly, it was weird seeing shoes priced over $100 at Goodwill, but Jimmy Choo shoes don’t come cheap.

I love the idea of thrifting, consignment, or reselling stuff on eBay or postmarks. First of all, if you donate clothes, the profits they create help the less fortunate. It also provides families with an affordable way to buy clothes in a difficult economic time. I sell my higher end clothes on eBay because it gives them second life. Consequently, there’s less waste. Just because I no longer have room for an item in my closet doesn’t mean it won’t look good in somebody else’s. It drives me nuts when people throwaway things that could be reused.

Before I headed out to my fun day thrifting with Terri, the Mayor and I headed back to Boca Ice. Let me tell you, 5:30 comes early on Saturday morning, but that boy is worth it. He loves working with Joni and I can tell he’s always giving 100%. It’s easy to out of bed early and spend the money when you see the effort he puts into the lesson. Moreover, Coach Joni puts a ton of work and thought into each lesson. I love how he’ll film the Mayor doing a drill and then show him the video immediately, so the Mayor can see what he did well and what he needs to adjust. It’s phenomenal.

Today’s accountability tracker:

  • Workout: rest day!
  • Book: Book: Marcel Proust’s  Finding Lost Time. 
  • Blog: done
  • Word of the day: whiskers. Anakin, Arrow and Athena have very cute whiskers.
  • Today’s song is Sauvemente by Elvis Crespo
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Yummy

Last night I cooked a yummy dinner courtesy of Blue Apron. We alternate between HelloFresh and Blue Apron depending on the available meals. One thing that I love about the delivered meal kits is the variety it has introduced into our diets. We’re eating a broader range of vegetables and flavors. For example, last night I roasted and tasted Romanesco cauliflower for the first time. Honestly, it’s a vegetable I probably never would have tried if it weren’t for the meal kit.

I like Blue Apron because they use ingredients that are easy to find or replicate. Whereas I’ve found it more difficult to find some of the ingredients of HelloFresh. Last night’s meal was baked chicken topped with tomato sauce, Gouda, and fontina cheese. Naturally, being that I’m on a metabolic reset program, I look for meals that are healthy. This one fits the bill perfectly. Moreover, it was so tasty and easily replicated with items from my local grocery store. If you’re looking for some yummy and healthy meetings give Blue Apron a try. They’re currently offering $110 off when you order through this link: click here

Thank goodness making dinner was stress-free because Anakin had to make the night interesting. I don’t know how he does it, but he finds creatures in the lowest light and catches them. Unfortunately, He looked excited and ready to party as soon as he caught that road. Anakin caught a poisonous toad last night. Consequently, the Mayor and I were trying to rinse out his mouth as much as possible. Anakin, meanwhile, wanted nothing to do with the water. Eventually, we were able to somewhat rinse out his mouth and he was acting normal. Fortunately, he’s a big boy as those toads can kill small dogs.

Today’s accountability tracker:

  • Workout: 45-minute spin class, plus 15-minute cooldown courtesy of Apple Fitness
  • Book: Book: Marcel Proust’s  Finding Lost Time. 
  • Blog: done
  • Word of the day: exoskeleton. As in I heard the spider’s exoskeleton crunch as I stepped on it.
  • Today’s song is TQG by Karol G and Shakira

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The Mayor’s Prom

Last night was the Mayor’s prom. He and his teammate Danny went with Danny’s sister and best friend. The Mayor was defitjeily anxious to get dressed and get to his buddy’s house to get the festivities going. He and Goalielocks both opted for the gray suit, which looked super good on both of them. He added light gold accents to match his date’s beautiful dress.

The girls weren’t ready when we first got to their house, so we had a blast taking photos of our two hockey players. They’re absolute characters. I have to say I was impressed as my boy dropped his voice and introduced himself to all of his date’s family. Albeit, it was quite amusing that he dropped his voice and octave or two. The resulting photos of the boys were absolutely incredible. There are so many great photos, I don’t know where to even start.

When the girls came down, they were absolutely stunning. Their dresses were gorgeous. Aubrey opted for a white dress with pink and rose gold accents. Her friend opted for a blue dress. After seeing all the prom pictures from this weekend, I think most girls wore blue this year. Before heading out for pictures, the boys gave the girls their corsages. Afterwards, the girls pinned on the boys boutonnières.

The Mayor was in rare form as we took pictures outside and in the limo. He may or may not have given his buddy’s grandma a shock as he did a cup check during family pictures. Perhaps the picture was the one that captured his reaction when they told him the limo had chocolate milk. As they made there way to the limo, he did the “no pictures” pose. And then they were off!

Meanwhile, we watched the Panthers game until the limo came back to take us parents to dinner. Originally, we were thinking Restoration Hardware for dinner, but they had no more sittings available. This in spite of the fact their restaurant was half empty. Consequently, we ended up eating at True Food Kitchen in Rosemary Square (formerly known as City Place.). After dinner, we we’re all fried and ready for bed. Meanwhile, the Mayor’s prom was a huge success.

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Back to School Essentials

It’s Thursday night and we’re a whisper from the long Labor Day Weekend, so it’s the perfect time for my list of back to school essentials. While my boys have been in school for nearly a month, the majority of US students will be heading back to school on Tuesday. In honor of those students returning to school here are my favorite back to school essentials.

1. The perfect laptop backpack courtesy of Jansport. I love this bag because it fits a 15-inch laptop. This makes it the perfect bag for students, workers, and hockey moms alike.

2. Hockey Themed Composition books for the hockey players in our life. (About time they have some hockey-themed options on Amazon!)

3. This stylish bento box lunch box. It is perfect for your student or for you (if you ever need to go back into the office.)

4. These fabulous hockey-themed folders. To be fair, they also have several other great sports-themed folders.

5. The perfect pencil case for your son or daughter. This handy item will ensure their locker or backpack remain as organized as possible.

6. Economical and functional three-ring binders. At least here in Florida, my boys’ schools have required these from kindergarten through twelfth grade.

7. A water bottle to keep your student hydrated throughout their day.

8. The perfect calculator for their grade level.

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9. Of course, one cannot write in a notebook or on a test without the perfect writing instruments.

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10. The perfect beverage and cup for mom and dad to celebrate the return of in-person schooling! Huzzah!!!

Wishing all the parents, kids, teachers, and school administrators a safe and happy school year!

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My Sexy New Accessories

I think the title says it all, but my sexy new accessories finally came into the podiatrist office today.   Oh yeah, that’s right those sexy mo-fo orthotics came in.  They cut a mean silhouette – Louboutin has nothing on these. Now I’m taking my look to a new sartorial high, or low since I’m still in flats, with these sexy inserts.   That is of course if your definition is  comfortable arches and less tendon pain.  It sure is for me!  Honestly, I really miss wearing my heels and I miss running.  I’d also like to be in less pain, but I’d be happy to be in heels.

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Truly, it is exciting as it the first step towards a return to normalcy.   I dream of the day that I can go back to wearing stylish heels with my dresses and not my Asics.  Moreover, I dream about getting back to training for all the races I want to run this year.  The longer it takes to heal; the harder it will to fit in all my races.  After all is said and done, I want to hit my running goals in 2018, but with healthy legs, ankles and feet.

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I know you’ll be surprise, but this weekend we’ll be back at the rink.  We only have one game this weekend, which is about all I can stomach.  Sunday Goalielocks and his team are headed to the beach to do workout.  Meanwhile tomorrow night I’m going to an art gallery opening in Wilton Manors.  I cannot wait to see the gallery and my colleagues art, which will be on display.  Myself and several of my colleagues are headed there to show our support, so it will be a fun night.

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In other news, the flu has taken hold here in Florida.  It has become so prevalent that the boys’ school sent home a letter today.  In the letter, they asked us to keep kids home that are showing any symptoms that could be flu related.   This comes on the heels of the passing of a 12 year old boy in Palm Beach County due to the flu.  It is unbelievably sad.  In fact, this flu season has claimed over 37 healthy children.  Its devastating.  Fortunately,our pediatrician gave my boys flu vaccine earlier this fall.  The vaccine will offer them some protection even if the strain isn’t a complete match.

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Well, I’m heading to be early, so I can try to get some rest before heading to the gym and hockey tomorrow morning.  The sinus infection has been the pits this week  and has kept me out of my classes at the gym.  I’m looking forward to getting back to it tomorrow.

Tonight’s song performed by the late, great Janis Joplin is “Piece Of My Heart.”   This video it veritable gold.  First of all, Janis’ performance was amazing.  Second of all, the audience members dancing on stage are comic gold.  I hope you enjoy the video.  Janis would have been 75 on January 19th, which is crazy.

 

 

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A Sartorial Emergency

This morning’s cooler than normal temps, led to a sartorial emergency as I struggled to find my black leggings.  After all, how could I rock a great flannel shirt dress without leggings in these temps?  Admittedly, getting out of bed this morning was tough since it was so cold.  For a moment, it brought me back to when we lived in Minny and would have to get out of bed in the sub zero weather.  I can’t tell you how happy I am to not have to deal with those temperatures on the regular anymore.

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Fortunately, after a hurried and hurricane like search, I found my coveted black leggings.  As a Minnesotan, even though I’ve been in Florida 12 years now, I can’t bring myself to wear a jacket when temps are in the 50s.  Years ago, although not too many, when I was a kid we’d wear shorts as soon as the temperature hit the 40s and 50s again.  Truly, there would be no jacket in sight (sorry mom.)  Now, it’s bitter cold.  Honestly, a jacket would have wrecked the elegance of the outfit anyway. download (10)

In a twist of irony, now that the mercury has dropped into the 50s, the stores here have turned on the heat.  Consequently, you no longer need a sweater or jacket to shop at Target.  Rather, you’re better off shopping in a tank top and shorts.  It was downright balmy in Target tonight.  Unfortunately, the forced air heat does nothing for the skin, but I can’t complain too much since we only have like 5 cold days every year.

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Tomorrow we will be back in the low 70s (at least for the day), so dressing won’t be so complicated.  It’s always a sartorial emergency finding an outfit right for both the  indoor and outdoor climates.  Excitingly, we’re having our Breakfast with Santa tomorrow where we thank all of our colleagues that participated in our annual Angel Tree Toy drive.   This event is by far one of my favorite events of the year.  Unquestionably, every year I am blown away by the generosity of my co-workers. They’re truly amazing people.  Lastly, I had hope to share the pictures of Santa with you, but for some reason PetCo doesn’t like my email address.  Hopefully, I can get them before the end of the week!

Tonight’s song is “Happy Xmas (War if Over)” performed by John Lennon.

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Days of Gratitude

I continue my days of gratitude posts today in honor of my friend Debbie.   Today I am grateful for the time were able to spend with Debbie and her family.  Moreover, I’m grateful that we were able to help them in their time of need.  When a friend is faced with a devastating diagnosis or prognosis, what we call the “Meatloaf  rule” goes into effect.  Meaning whatever you need, we’ll do.  There’s no “but I won’t do that.”

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Last March after Debbie had gone into hospice, we were helping clean and bleach the floor.  She was going to hire something, but there was no need since we could all do it.  Admittedly, we like to keep things light in our house and love making people smile and laugh.  Naturally, we had to find a way to make them smile and laugh.  Unfortunately, for all of them it resulted in a sight they cannot unsee.

 

As we prepared to drive over, the hubby took his battered pair of jeans and cut them off as high as they could go.  Oh yeah, he  made himself some daisy dukes.  You should know that my hubby suffers from the disease no asatall. He proceed to put on the shortest pair of shorts I have ever seen and we drove over.

When we got to the house, we knocked lightly so as to not wake Debbie.  John answered the door and Luke’s choice of wardrobe hit him like shock and awe.  He was clearly transfixed and mesmerized by the sexiness of Luke’s legs.  We entered the house and his family lost their ish.  When Debbie had woken up from her nap and came downstairs, her reaction to hubby was priceless.  She was laughing so hard, although I’m sure there was a shock and awe moment for her like John had experienced.  Nevertheless, we had succeeded.   Truly, you couldn’t help but laugh as you looked at my hubby in his sexy daisy dukes scrubbing the floor.

I’m so grateful that we were able to lighten the mood for awhile.  I should say (allegedly) that  the hubby did put on some basketball when he and John made a Home Depot.  I can’t believe John wouldn’t want to be seen in public with the hubby in Daisy Dukes!

As a reminder, our Purple Stride event is only 17 days away and we have a big hill fundraising hill to climb. You can join our team or donate to the cause at Team Deb Force Five.  Lastly, I’ll share a piece of advice I gave one of my kids tonight.   Life is way too shorts to let squabbles or arguments simmer.  As conflicts arise with people that matter, deal with them timely.

Tonight’s Song Disturbeds cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Sound of Silence.”

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It’s That Time Again

I can’t believe it’s that time again. Time to get new clothes, new backpacks and copious amounts of school supplies. The only people in more shock, devastation really, at how fast the summer went is my boys.

This year we’re only shopping for two as Jake. Jake starts college next month, so his shopping will be a bit different.

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My Dapper Boys

You may recall from my previous blog on the hazards of being a boy mom that my boys didn’t like to wear clothes once they got home for the evening.  While they mostly keep their clothes on upon returning home from school or hockey practice now days, they still don’t relish dressing up or wearing anything fancy.

On the rare occasion that they do get dressed up, I have to indulge and get as many pictures as possible.  First, I want to document the fact that they were able to find matching socks.  Secondly, I want to document the millisecond in which their clothes have not yet been stained.   Thirdly, I just want to relish in the cuteness of my little boys dressed up in a natty outfit.  I love when they look nice and dapper.

One of my favorite photos shoots we did with the boys when they were younger was shot in the Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge, which is the Everglades.  The location could not be more beautiful and more appropriately chosen for my kids who are obsessed with nature.  Amazingly, their clothes stayed clean long enough for us to get some beautiful shots.

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Brassy and Beautiful

Brassy women often elicit one of two reactions. People either love them or hate them. Nobody fit the profile of a Brassy women better than Mae West. For her time, Mae West was considered by many to be brazen, a bit vulgar and tastelessly showy. While she was a huge box office draw on the Vaudeville stage,  Broadway and at movie theaters nationwide; her plays and films were critiqued by morality groups and even city officials. West was even jailed in 1927 in New York City after debuting her play Sex on morality charges. She was sentenced to ten days and served eight days on account of good behavior.


Throughout her lengthy career, which spanned sixty nine years, Mae West stayed true to herself. Her performances and characters were brought to life through a lens she  crafted. Even in her early Vaudeville days, her performances were injected with her spunky, brassy persona. In making the leap from Broadway to Hollywood, this didn’t change. She didn’t let Hollywood change who she was or how she portrayed her characters on film. She stayed true to herself and true to her craft.

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It would have been easier for Mae West to abandon her brassy persona as she was the target of many moral groups and even the police throughout her lengthy career. She didn’t let the critics, society or the studio bosses dictate who she was or what she did. Whether you’re a fan of her movies or not isn’t important. What is important is to live an authentic life and not compromise who you are to get ahead or make someone else happy.  In living a life that is authentic to your values, live fully and unapologetically without looking back.

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