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Shoe and Tell Tuesday

“…I’m definitely a shoe lover.  The right pair of shoes can change the feel of an outfit, and even change how a woman feels about herself.  A woman can wear confidence on her feet with a high stiletto, or slip into weekend comfort with a soft ballet flat.”

~Fergie

(source)

Her version of the National Anthem may not make much sense, but her relationship with shoes does.

Thank U GIF by Fergie

My relationship with shoes, however, is complex.

It is difficult for me to rid my closet of shoes that are no longer on trend.

Because of this affliction, I appear to be a hoarder. I’ve run out of roomI know… it’s horrible.

It is the one area of my life that appears to be completely out of control.

And why do I still have those COVINGTON SHOES?

 

Nevertheless I continue to shop for shoes.

Whether I have merely added to my cart for a short time or eventually purchase, I am currently coveting six pairs of shoes.

It all started with a search for dress heels to wear to the Alhambra last week.

This is the pair I chose, but have not yet purchased.

This is a classic dress shoe that will likely find it’s way into my overcrowded closet.

I can’t say the same for the others which are mostly just trendy.

For example, this shoe, although it is somewhat of a classic, appears to be a seasonal trend which began last fall.

 

Nine West Women's Byron Leather Mule

The mule trend began again last season with heeled mules, but is continuing into the spring with flat mules.

I came across this shoe while looking for a flat mule/slide that would work with several outfits.

Mavirs Women's Fashion Backless Flat Sandals Pointed Toe Slip On Dress Slide Mule Shoes

In contrast is the Blythh Mule that it adorably cute, but will work with only a few outfits.

Lucky Women's LK-Blythh Mule

 

The mule/slide trend travels with the white shoe trend.

Sam Edelman has given us a white slide with laces.

 

 

Sam Edelman Women's Tai Sandal

It is perfect for spring!

With Slides and Mules on trend for spring and summer 2018,  I can’t help but appreciate this particular pair.

The Fix Women's Brystal Frayed Cross Strap Slide Dress Sandal

 

I saw a similar pair while shopping for pants at loft.com

I WANT THEM ALL!

But alas, I have nowhere to store them.

 

Adding these to my overcrowded closet, would be a precarious mission…

if I chose to accept it.

Tom Cruise Wow GIF

I may regret it.

 

 

I agree with Fergie that the feel of an outfit can be completely altered simply by changing shoes and I’ll likely continue shoe shopping until I can shop no more!

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Kim

XO

Little Shop of Horrors

This past week, LB and I had the opportunity to see Little Shop of Horrors at Alhambra Theater & Dining.and as the name Alhambra Theater & Dining suggests, there was dining involved.

The Menu

offered several choices that I have not seen in the past.

LB chose the Jambalaya

I had the Chicken

and cake!

Little Shop of Horrors

is a Sci-Fi/horror/comedy/musical.

It is the story of a docile and hapless florist shop assistant (Seymour) who pines for his co-worker (Audrey, a.k.a. Audrey I), and loves interesting plants.  Seymour discovers a plant that is speculated to be from outer space.  He names the plant Audrey II, after his co-worker.  When the plant doesn’t thrive, Seymour discovers that it feeds only on human blood. Later in the show, Seymour feeds Audrey’s boyfriend, Orin, to the hungry plant.  At this point, he must come up with more bodies for the increasingly bloodthirsty plant.  Becoming suspicious of Seymour’s strange behavior, the owner of the shop, Mushnik, become victim number two.

The growing plant becomes an attraction generating a great deal of business for the previously struggling florist shop. In addition, Seymour is suddenly regarded as a hero while Audrey secretly longs to be with him and live happily ever after.  Instead of living her dream, Audrey falls prey to her carnivorous namesake.  Ultimately Seymour becomes the final victim in this production.

Hungry Feed Me GIF

Although she triumphs in the stage production, the 1986 movie Little Shop of Horrors ends with Audrey II’s defeat.

“The music swells. Seymour emerges from the dust and debris, adjusts his glasses, and whisks Audrey I to the common comforts of 1960s suburbia”

(source)

Our Alhambra experience ended with vines falling from the ceiling above the audience after a buyer has just taken cuttings of the enormous Audrey II for distribution to other florist shops.  The final number is performed by Audrey II’s victims (Orin, Mushnik, Audrey, and Seymour) dressed as cuttings from the Audrey II plant.

 

Not romantic… but still fun.

Believe it or not, I would recommend.

 

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Kim

XO

 

 

 

 

Friday Favorites

Friday is

My Favorite Day of the Week

because I get to stay up late and I DO NOT HAVE TO GO TO WORK THE NEXT DAY!

(Breathe)

And everyone who knows me, knows this!

Friday is also the day that I regularly share my favorites.

So here goes…

Favorite # ONE

Laughing at Wendy

She keeps me entertained.

This week my friend Wendy kept me afloat with her unintentional humor.

Among other things, one day she did a poor job of mixing her coffee.

After she took a sip, this is what I saw…

 

 

I SO needed that laugh!

She was mortified when I told her about Napoleon Dynamite, but I was in no way insinuating that she looks like him.  I was merely suggesting that her reaction made me remember this scene.

Favorite # TWO

Pants from LOFT

Recently I ordered a pair of pants from Loft.  At the time I didn’t realize that along with different pants styles there are also different pants “FITS”.  For LOFT there is the Julie Fit and the Marisa Fit.  The Julie Fit is a curvier fit which means it is smaller at the waist and rounder at the hips.  The Marisa Fit is a slightly straighter cut from waist to hip.  My order included Slim pants in Julie fit (in Vivid Red).  They were on sale for $23.99 and I couldn’t say no to that price.  When they arrived I tried them on and found that my normal size 4 was not so normal.  Thinking everything runs large at LOFT, my first inclination was to exchange them for a size 2.  Being a sale item, there was no size 2, so I returned them.

Since then I learned that there is the Marisa fit and I’ve found another pair of red pants on sale.

Skinny cuffed pants in Marisa fit (in Lava Red)  on sale for $24.30.  I’m not sure if it is the Marisa fit or the Skinny style, but these size 4 pants are perfect!

I love the way they fit!

 

 

Favorite # THREE

My Rockabilly Prom dress

from Amazon $32.99

 

Favorite # FOUR

For quite a while now it has been all about Halo Top.

Move over Halo Top… there’s a new kid in town!

Breyers Delights

Indulge without the guilt!

 

 

Favorite # FIVE

This one goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway…

RORY

She came home from the hospital today, and Glammy got to hold her.

She is BEAUTIFUL

 

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog!

Kim

XO

 

 

 

 

Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day

It is celebrated annually on February 14th.  Valentine’s Day has been recognized as a notable traditional, religious and commercial celebration of romance and romantic love in many regions around the world.

The day first became associated with romantic love in the 14th century, when the ritual of genteel courting flourished. In 18th-century England, it developed into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by giving flowers, sweet treats, and greeting cards. (source)

Whether it is rooted in paganism (i.e. Lupercalia) or Christian martyrdom (i.e. Saint Valentine), today Valentine’s Day is a day to lavish attention on loved ones.  This year people have lavished Valentine’s Day attention on their loved ones contributing $19.6 billion to the economy. (source)

My LB contributes to the economy as well.

He never fails to light up my day with a bouquet of flowers delivered to my office.

He will typically present me with an article of jewelry or two, which, in the past has been a set from Brighton.  This year he changed it up and I now own a floating heart from Underwood’s Jewelers

and a box of chocolates

and a Valentine’s Day card that communicated a strikingly similar message to the card I presented to him.Today.  Tomorrow.  Always.

He always lets me know that I am his forever Valentine.

*****

This year’s Valentine’s Day

was unlike any other.

I left work midday and made my way to the hospital (labor and delivery), to await the arrival of a sweet new GlamBaby.

On February 14, 2018

Rory

came into the world.Being that she was about three weeks earlier than expected, I was surprised to learn that she weighed 6 pounds and 18 3/4 inches long.  She is very alert and is obviously taking in her world.

She is a sweet little Valentine baby and I am in love!We are blessed.

 

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to visit my blog.

Kim

XO

A Baby Shower for our Galentines

Galentine’s Day

is a pseudo-holiday that has gained widespread popularity since invented by Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler’s character on Parks and Recreation). 
Galentine’s Day is typically observed on February 13th and also the weekend prior to that day. 
The premise is “Ladies celebrating Ladies”.  More simply put, it is a day to celebrate non-romantic relationships with your best Gals.  According to Knope, Galentine’s Day, celebrates three important things: waffles, women, and Leslie’s wise words.
 (source)
One of the “wise words” of Leslie Knope was displayed in the décor at our Galentines themed event:Very nice.

 

 

There are many special Galentines in my life… and two more on the way.

My daughter-in-law Emily is expecting her second baby in March

and

my sister’s daughter-in-law Chynna is expecting her third baby in June.

What better reason to have a

GALENTINE’S DAY CELEBRATION

To help them prepare for the arrival of these baby girls and to commemorate Galentine’s Day… we had a baby shower!

Planned and hosted by my sister and my daughters

who demonstrated their dexterity in decor…

and their culinary cleverness.

There was the Mac & Cheese Bar

Shirley Temples

and an assortment of delectable treats.

However there were no waffles.  No frittatas.

 

 

The event took place at Mama’s house

So she asked for God’s blessings over the day, the event and the ladies who were gathered to celebrate.After lunch and a couple of girly games, it was time for presentsThere were onesies, tiny socks, lots of pampers and a couple of unexpected surprises for the “big” sisters.

Case in Point:

the Cinderella Cross-Body Bag

Modeled by my lovely sister Gina.

With all of the Disney enthusiasts in the family, it was agreed that the

Danielle Nicole Disney Cinderella Cross-body Bag

was the perfect accessory for a day at the Magic Kingdom.

Although it was suggested that the chain was much to long for Lydia and Thea to comfortably carry these bags, there will be no chain manipulation to better fit little girls.  After all, the mamas may want to borrow these little beauties.

I found this bag at Nordstrom and Amazon, both currently unavailable.

It was nice to be able to enjoy time with family and friends as we ready ourselves to welcome two new little ones.

Thank you MY Galentines Gina, Stephanie, Amanda and Mama, for hosting a lovely event.

You are clearly a group of poetic and noble land-mermaids.

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Kim

XO

Rockabilly Prom Jax

Rockabilly

is one of the earliest styles of rock and roll music, dating back to the early 1950s in the United States, particularly the South.
As a genre it combines the sound of Western musical styles such as country with that of rhythm and blues leading to what is considered “classic” rock and roll.
Some have also described it as a blend of bluegrass with rock and roll”, which would explain why I like some rockabilly music, as opposed to all.
On Saturday, February 10th, LB and I donned our best rockabilly attire to attend

THE 4th ANNUAL ROCKABILLY PROM:

ROCKIN ROMANCE EDITION

The Rockabilly Prom is a fundraiser to provide support to Oral Cancer Patients during their treatment.  The event is made possible by Cindy Platt and more specifically by ROCSTART
I made reference to these last year in this post.
The Rockabilly Prom took place at the Ramona Pavilion Ballroom, a perfect venue for dancing.
This event was something that I have been looking forward to since last February because I love to dress up.  I’m not a huge fan of the rockabilly style of dress, but I have no problem wearing a pretty dress that is reminiscent of one that might have been popular in the 1950’s.
The dress I chose was described as an Audrey Hepburn Style Off Shoulder Swing Dress (Black, S)It provides great twirling action!
The Ramona Pavillion offers in-house catering for events at the location.
Dinner was served buffet style and included a garden salad, turkey, dressing, mixed vegetables, and rolls.
There was also a plethora of cupcakeswhich didn’t take long to disappear
As the name Rockabilly Prom suggests, there was dancingAnd with two bands and a D.J., there was plenty of music to dance the night away.
Except here where it appears everyone is on break.
LB and I had a great time.
LB had an especially good time!
We’re looking forward to the 5th Annual RB Prom!
Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.
Kim
XO

All About Love

It’s All About Love today, although not quite All About LB.

Because there is a new one every month, the Blended Blog has issued a new questionnaire:

Kisses or Hugs?

Kisses.  Everyone likes to be covered with kisses!

Candy or Flowers?

Yes!

Baking or Cooking?

BakingI think I’ve mentioned baking is My Super Power.

Do you remember your first kiss?

I believe I do… but I’m not positive, so it doesn’t warrant discussion.

Favorite color Roses?

Red,

Conversation hearts, yes or no?

Of Course!Those little hearts say it all!

Do you leave love notes?

Yes.  In the shape of a heart, taped to LB’s coffee cup.  Just because.

Decor for Valentine’s Day?

No.  But I do dress for the occasion.  Does that count?

Red or Pink?

RedI’m loving my red sweater!  Red is always a favorite.

And now, we have a reason to wear red to work, twice a week.  On Thursdays in support of CWA and on Fridays during the month of February to support Women’s heart health (Go Red For Women).

Milk, White or Dark Chocolate?

Dark would be my first choice…

M&M’s my second!

Do you believe in love at first site?

After quizzing LB about this… and getting a man’s opinion… I’ll have to say…

NO.

Are Your Valentine’s Day cards funny or serious?

I’d classify my cards as CUTE!

Favorite Chick Flick or Romantic Movie?

You’ve Got Mail is my all time favorite

… and if I happen to be “clicking” and see that it is on, I will stop and watch it from any point in the story.“Don’t cry Shop Girl”

 

The other “flick” that comes to mind is Pride and Prejudice (2005).  I’ll watch the entire movie to see one line that is delivered near the end by Matthew Macfadyen “You have bewitched me body and soul and I love… I love… I love you”

Stay In or Go Out?

I’m notorious for being a Home Body.  But if the event is worth it, I love to go out!  As a matter of fact, I am looking forward to two outings in the next week.  The Rockabilly Prom and the Alhambra Dinner Theater’s production of Little Shop of Horrors.

Happy February!

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Kim

XO

 

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