{indulge}

12 months of movement.  Movement for a better me. I find it only fitting that I took the last month of 2012 to dive head first into the absolute indulgence of making the most of my minutes and my mindset for my December.  

I have written about my search for rhythm in 2012 for the past 11 months.  I've done my best to be honest & real.  I realize this narrative collection is for me.  I fully own my thoughts and my words along with my cheap thrill finds too.  So, why have I chosen to make these collections publicly present for anyone to view?  Because I wanted my mission to have a heftier accountability to the better who I am trying to be.  And, with this pursuit of the accountable, I had a tiny hope that perhaps someone else out there may connect with my struggles and my strengths.  Rhythm seeking is not for the faint of heart.  So, if you are in the renovating of the soul business be it big or be it little, this homegirl is right here with you for better or worse.  

Allow me a chance for any new readers to catch up on my year of rhythm:  

January

February

March 

April

May

June

July

August

September

October
November

Here.we.go.y'all:

Base Layer Undershirt:

• Banana Republic
• navy & white stripes
• $1.99
• 1/2 off Goodwill
• I am becoming a huge fan of a striped base layer undershirt.  
• It provides beau coups of texture.
• It also haas you teetering on popping the top for some Tylenol to combat the cross eyes from starring too long.

Blouse:

• $1.50 
• 1/2 off Goodwill
• It's a peasant slight bubble length
• LOVE the print and color palette
• It has a dainty shoestring tie at the neckline.
• I'm gonna rock it with capri leggings sans undershirt in the spring.
• This shirt would look killer on a pregnant woman about 8 months along.
• I'll keep that in mind should I successfully convince my spouse that an odd number of offspring is not of the devil.

Scarf:

• $.10 
• 1/2 of Goodwill
• I love a good scarf.
• I think every outfit deserves one in someway or another.
• I will forever be in favor of the above argument.
• I realize that some may glance at my ensemble and immediately think of PeeWee's Playhouse.
• Ahh, the beauty of fashion.  You can do whatever the hell you want.
• Ladies that wear moo-moos and, likewise, high school girls that wear pajama pants to Wal-Mart hold this same thought, mind you.
• Ahh, the beauty of fashion.

Jeans:

• Skinny jeans
• Seven brand
• $7.99  clearance
• T. J. Maxx
• I wore them in this post. 
• I like the skinny jean look with heels way more than I do with flats.
• A homeschooling mama with an at home business has little opportunity to a whole heckuva lot of heel wearing, you know?

Shoes:

• There is a BIG GUY upstairs that loves me.
• $1.00
• 1/2 off Goodwill
• navy & white polka dot flats
• They have a little navy patent leather strip across the toe.
• A navy polka dot flat is like the staple black heel in my closet.
• Options are limitless.
• Mama likey.

Earrings:

• Wore them in this post last month.
• Handmade is awesome.
• Enough said.

Bracelets:

Aqua rings:

• FREE!  Giveaway from a friend of mine cleaning out her jewelry box.  

Aqua cuff:

I wore this piece in this post.  

It is official.

It is my signature jewelry piece.

Read the link above to know what I'm talking about.

Hair:

• Fresh washed.
• HOLLA.
• Pinned back with a tiny clip half back.

Total Outfit Investment:  $19.58

December 2012

My personal word of growth for December was indulge.

My mission:

* work hard

* be detailed

* read

* take on something big

* keep it real

* relish in the little 

My status:

* * * .5 

3.5 out of 5 stars

My memories:

work hard:  My business is me.  My business was big this month.  I worked until the 19th.  I busted my bottom end no doubt.  I developed a plan.  I kept focused.  I put in work, son.  It was intense.  I feel like next year I will do a few things differently, but overall, I am so pleased with the products I created and with the customer satisfaction.  

be detailed:  I folded laundry late at night in the middle of the floor instead of letting it sit for 3 days solid.  I cleaned out the dang refrigerator when I didn't want to.  I lie in bed talking with my boys when I had so much else to get done.  I began planning for the new year's school regimen as well as business plan.  I stayed on top of the those little things that make a big difference in the flow of a day, moreover a family.  I wasn't rock solid awesome at all of it, but I gave good effort at the in between.

read:  This goal did not begin until the 19th.  I am reading.  My very first book of 2012.  I am quite embarrassed to admit this, but I gotta be true.  One book a month was my goal.  I failed.  But, hey?  I'm half way through a great book and looking forward to 2013 as a reading year for me.  I just gotta be still more.   Yeah right.

take on something big:  I completed my 4th nursery of my career this month. Feel free to view the finished product here.  I made it in just 6 days.  Nursery design is a big project.  Drapes, pillow, b.blanket, bumper pad, bed skirt and tie backs too.  I loved every second of the work.  It felt good to make something so beautiful.  

keep it real:  If I was sad, I let myself be.  If a commercial made me cry, I let it.  If I was frustrated, I said it.  I am working more and more at trying less to fit into the "prilly prilly princess" that just makes everything better by hushing or contorting my emotional self to please others.  This month I was who I was.  It felt good be spot on with me.  It was hard too.  I know there is a graceful balance in emotions and actions.  I'm hopeful to keep plugging in to being who I am when I am and for the right reasons too.

relish in the little:  I laughed at silly.  I paid attention to the sprinkling of pretzel sticks and 2 minute fudge boils.  I thought through quality gifting and not overspending.  I slept in to make up for late nights.  I used my favorite fabric softener and I even had a couple mini-dates with my man. Heck, I even pinned on Pinterest.   And, to top it off, I went for a 6 mile run today and just last night had sushi with one of my great friends. Sometimes it's those littles that make the monotonous big not so heavy.

12 months. Checkity-check-check.  Rhythm has found me.  I have embraced its ebbs & flows. And, much like my mixture of wicked patterns and color sets in this last ensemble of 2012, I have indulged in the art of improvement.   I have come to a place where my peace, moreover, my place in this life is better when growth and reflection are accounted for and present.  Status quo and sidling through isn't enough for me.  I graciously thank this rhythmical 2012 and each pair of eyes that have taken a looksee peek at just what I've been up to.  I look forward with a happy hope at the next 365 I am blessed with.  Peace out, 2012.  2013, I got your number.

Homegirl is ready,

.mac :)

{diligence}

diligence ¹ |ˈdiləjəns|

noun

careful and persistent work or effort.

My hands have been steady and streamlined this month.  My heart had to beef up its typical artsy/creative/feely status to a more structured "task mastery"mode. Being left handed, this was a bit of a challenge for the ole ticker.  Getting things done.  Every day accomplishments do happen in my camp, but not without intermissions of bliss of getting lost in creativity.  My husband will be the first to shout from the mountain tops about my love to be into a little bit of everything all at once.  He loves this about me.  I know he does.  

For those just joining me here in this space, I feel you need the 11th month formal introduction to catch up.  My word for 2012 is rhythm.  I have been seeking it in myself and around me.  Read here to know just a little more behind the scenes if you will.  Each month I have given myself goals and attempted to creatively report on my status using my passion for good deal finding.  Feel free to take a gander back if you want:

January

February

March 

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

To be diligent, one can't really dilly dally {insert my sad face here}.  So, let's get right to it, peeps.

Ensemble statistics:

Blouse:

• $1.99 
• 1/2 off Goodwill
• Bought in 2012.
• Wore it in this post.
• It's sleeveless.  This is perfect as it allows for spring/summer wear, but then gives you the option to "sweater up" in the fall/winter months without the bulky sleeve excess underneath.
• I am totally digging this rose "Hi, I just may or may not have a ceramic duck with a country blue bow around its neck sitting in my curio cabinet from the late 1980's" look.
• It has a tiered ruffled neckline!  See below.

• The fabric is this weird silky/cotton combo.  
• If I think about its texture too much, I get a metal-like taste in my mouth.  
• For the sake of the ruffle, I choose to rise above this issue.

Sweater:

• $1.99
• 1/2 off Goodwill
• Bought in 2009.
• Banana Republic brand
• This sweater makes me crazy happy.  
• It is this muddled gray hue. It's place on the color wheel makes it super great to wear with so many colors.  It can sometimes even pose for an ivory shade if you look at it long enough.
• The tiny cable knit details in this sweater are divine.  So divine, they make my mouth water.  
• The weight of this sweater is heaven.  It is so snuggly soft.  It kinda makes me feel like one of the Victoria Secret models when they wear their angel wings.  
• I really should do stand up.
• I am putting this next sentence in cap locks.  IT HAS GRAY RHINESTONES FOR BUTTONS.  These buttons look like they belong in some Mamaw's jewelry box.  They look sophisticated.  No Claire's Boutique BOGO with these CZ's.

Belt:

• $.25 
• 1/2 off Goodwill
• Bought in 2010
• Please take the time to read here to find out about how she came to be mine.
• Heck, the videos may even inspire you to go find your own cheap thrills.
• This belt is so.freakin.awesome.  
• It has tiny multi-colored paint drops all over it.
• I feel a little more connected with my inner hippy each time I wear it.
• That's a very good thing considering I came home from my Colorado hospital birth in a VW bus wearing my turquoise baby bracelet.  Not.kidding.  

Pants:

• Gap brand
• $2.99
• Goodwill 1/2 off weekend
• These pants are light weight and real smooth like rayon, but they're not rayon at all.
• They have a flair to the bottom.
• They're kinda like a tweed with multi-colored oatmeal specs throughout.
• They fit perfectly.  You know those pants you own that have that great fit every time you put them on?  That's these for me.

Shoes:

• $3.25 
• Goodwill 1/2 off weekend
• Bought in 2010.
• You can go here to read more about the day I met them and asked them to be mine forever.
• I actually almost came to blows with a lady over these bad daddys.  
• Ahem, I found them first.
• They look like they are Coach, but they're totally not.
• People think they are though.
• These boots are just "out there" enough that I either get lots of compliments when I wear them or crazy stares like "Just what the hell does she have on her feet?"
• Either way, I'm good.

Hair:

• 2 days dirty
• I slept with it in a clip the night before.
• That morning I wet my bangs in attempts to tame their "individuality" shall we call it?
• The raspy waves are the end result of the clip from the night's slumber.
• 7 cow licks can work to your advantage in many ways when it comes to volume.

Bracelets:

• I'm wearing my signature piece on one hand. I talked about this decision here.
• On the other hand, I'm wearing the bracelet you see above.
• This bracelet was a gift from my mother-in-law, Carlene.
• For the past 2 years, we have started a tradition of going to Mountain Makins', a local craft festival, together.  
• This bracelet is a great memory of my time with her there.
• It's made by a local artist.  
• Carmalitta Freeman Dixson has an Etsy store for anyone interested in her designs.

Earrings:

• I heart these earrings so very much.
• I bought them in 2009 from Raquel Castillo, a fabulous designer.
• She has an Etsy store as well.
• I am the proud owner of not 1, but 3 pair of earrings crafted by her.
• I have given away here designs as gifts 3 times as well.
• I think that's what I love best about being an artist.  I love the way creating original pieces makes me feel.  That feeling transcends into the purchasing of original pieces as well.  I feel beautiful when I wear things I connect with.  
• This is so very true when I wear Raquel's pieces.

Total outfit investment:  $10.47

November 2012

My personal word of growth for November was {diligence}.

My mission:

• just do it
• dive in & forget
• placement & priorities
• define your space

My status:

*   *   *   *

4 out of 5 stars

My memories:

just do it--I did.  I stayed focused on the tasks to be completed.  I did not freak out at the overall timeline of what had to be completed with k.Mac in addition to the holidays that hits us all in a melodious cluster {Halloween-Thanksgiving-Christmas} in addition to teaching the boys at home.  I made a plan and stuck to it.  I did my best to let go of the "aww, that would be nice" or "I should do that with them". I faced November with lots on my plate.  I took the crafty extras out, and got jiggy with my jobs.  It was hard at times.  I felt like I wasn't being the Mom or teacher I wanted to be, but I reminded myself of that it was just for a time and not for forever.  Putting time in is what hand making is all about.  I am quite certain I pulled well over 60 hour work weeks for this month's entirety.

dive in & forget--When it was time to unwind and celebrate, I did just that.  I cannot tell you the complexity of how much I struggle with this.  For some reason, I am hard wired to work.  Work.  And work all the time.  I equate relaxation with laziness.  THIS IS STUPIDLY WRONG.  I know this, and am working like a mad dog to overcome this ridiculous internal preset. Our family celebrated our 10th anniversary of the Cobble Gobble this year.  I did a stellar job of forgetting the work on my plate for k.Mac and chose to immensely enjoy my people in my home. I found times in the early evenings to just stop and sit.  Sometimes doing nothing but that.  Although these times weren't often, I did practice them. I also unwound and got lost in the joy of decorating our home as a family for Christmas.  I wrote about it here.   The concept of forgetting, for a time, your checklist of getdones is something I will always struggle with.  But, being cognizant of the need to just enjoy is critical to my health and happiness. 

placement & priorities--My life on this Earth has purpose.  Every one's does.  I decided this month to remember this.  Some tough things transpired in November.  Things that shake you.  Things that abruptly adjust your plans and move you into action. I learned that love is genuine.  I also learned that love can be blind sided and altered by selfishness and insecurity.  I ache to have been taught this lesson.  But, I have learned it for my final time. My purpose in this life is not to be blanketed by other people's insufficiencies. That my place does not have to reside where love and comfort is at risk.  I can love from afar and learn to live with this decision as best for all involved.   Love endures all.  Love doesn't fix all.

define your space--While I work, I think.  I think a lot.  I spent a lot of time thinking about the space that God has given me in this life.  I want to work to honor it more in what I say and what I do.  I began to formulate little snippets of energy in ways that I can do this for myself and my family.  Things like better ways of prayer time in the mornings, my thoughts in my head, my mouth to my boys and my movements for God's gain.  No mountainous snow balls of action just yet, but I'm gathering snowflakes for sure.  It feels good to begin a better map out of my space.  On a completlely materialistic mission regarding my space, I have a 2 new pieces of art to hang in our home.  One was purchased from a local artist, Dan Gibson.  I fell in love with his work at the Mountain Makins' craft festival.  His art is astounding.  And, he is color blind which makes his pieces even more a testament to God's amazing wonder.  The 2nd piece is by my boys.  It is a aerial mixed media depiction of their community.  I plan to post about this project very soon.  They never cease to amaze me with their creativity and commitment to finishing a project together, side by side.

November was diligence. It was that careful and persistent work or effort for my mind, for my body and for my heart.  I am thankful for the busyness of the month and the goodness of keeping track of it all. I thank God for forcing me to kick the ass of some stupid preconceived plagues.  I honor Him in my hard learned lessons too.  

Onto my last month in my year of rhythm, 

.mac :)

{flow}

Penning it down.  Or, in my case, tapping it out.  It's worth it to me.  On more than one occasion when my mind meets screen, I am flummoxed at just where the hell the comma should go and I am quite certain an incomplete sentence or four made it to the published field for all to read.  But, it's worth it.  Worth the time, worth the image capturing, worth the thoughts-turned-words and certainly worth the musical chairs of comma placement for what satisfyingly looks right. My place in this cyberspace means something to me.  It means something to my family too.   I began writing this blog to connect with others.  And, here I am almost 5 years later, connecting.  With myself.  With my boys. With my husband. With my family.  With people who mean so very much to me.  So, yes.  Worth validates my procession in the collection of life I give to this online scrapbook so to speak.

Should you read this space often, aaahhnotsomuch or just every now & again with a scroll, it is my hope that you come away with life seen through eyes that are real.  Simply put, my best is but my honesty to my work as God's child, mama, teacher, designer, wife, friend and of course, frugal fashion seeker.

For those new to this scene, here's your official invitation for a re-cap on 2012 thus far, 

January

February

March 

April

May

June

July

August

September

I think it's time we start, don't you?

Ensemble Statistics

dress:

• Cold Water Creek
• $2.99 Goodwill
• black
• I am not a fan of black.  With a Crayola box full of colors, why would anyone want to chose black to wear?  I get the whole sophisticated vibe it's got and I get that it's professional, but black ain't my bag. 
•  I loved the artsy long flow of this dress coupled with the mock turtle neck and sleeveless action. I nabbed it only for these reasons alone.  
• I'm not gonna lie.  I want to spin in circles real fast when I wear this dress.  I would have never made it in Laura Ingall's time. 
• One dizzy prairie girl, I would be.

shoes

• Ahem. Frugally, I digress.  I do not pay full price for things.  I wait on sales.  I scour Goodwill with my keen fashion eyes.  
• These booties did a number on me.  
• My sister-in-law, Melissa, clued me into this website.  One glance at these girls and I was toast.  To my defense, I waited on a substantial sale plus a coupon before purchasing,
• Out the gate, I paid $30 for them with free shipping.
• Worth.every.penny in my land of fashion happy.
• They are yellow suede.
• They are booties.
• They have freakin' fringe.
• I am wearing these suckers with just about anything you can think of.  Sundresses in the spring, skinny jeans, capri pants.  Just you wait and see.

scarf:

• $5.00
• Big Lots
• a flat silvery shade
• flimsy
• I wore this same scarf here when I began this rhythm nation.

belt:

• $.25 
• Goodwill 1/2 off weekend
• This belt is AWESOME.
• It is yellow.  {the exact match to my new happy booties too!}
• It has silver studding for that great texture vibe.
• It's just the right width too.  Not too bulky big, but not too pencil thin.
• I wore it here for May's wrap-up. 

earrings:

• Waterfall fake plastic crystals.
• They are teardrop shaped.
• $1.00 at super great cheapo fashion boutique called Leslie's from my old stomping grounds.
• Wearing these earrings makes me want to swish my hair around a lot.  
• They don't make noise as they are plastic, but boy, do they make you wanna be some kinda of earring model or something.  
• Who knew $1.00 purchase could do that to you?
• It's a wonder I stayed upright this day with that dress on and these earrings.  

Bracelets:

Aqua cuff:

• It's here that I make a statement of advice.  I know nothing of fashion other than what my Fashion Plates taught me when I was a little girl.  So feel free to contradict just about anything you see in these posts.  BUT, I am clueing into something substantial about a lady.   My mom wore a 14 kt. cable car tiny charm around her neck on the daintiest chain for all of my life.  My third grade teacher, Mrs. Shahan, wore large solitaire pearls in her ears every day.  My favorite baby sitter growing up wore a turquoise ring all the time.  
• I think a lady needs a signature piece that defines her.  One that is worn just any old way and at any old time.  
• It's her.
• This cuff might just be my piece.
• It was $7.00 at a local boutique called The Steamer Trunk.  
• It is a mish-mash of multi-colored swirls atop a vibrant aqua.  
• When I saw it on the counter, I immediately connected with it.
• Every time I wear it, I receive a compliment and am asked where I got it.
• She is magical on my arm.

Rhinestone bracelets:

• $5.00
• Dillard's Department Store pre-Thanksgiving sale.
• HUGE rock like rhinestones with a magnetic clasp.
• Get compliments on these all the time.
• The rhinestones have a gray vibe to them which promotes an old world vintage look.
• I wear these bad daddys A LOT!

Hair:

• DURTAY
• WAY past due on highlights.
• I know we have already established that I do not brush my hair, but I will say it again. 
•  I do not brush my hair.
• Just outta bed.  
• Tousled with fingers. 
•  Braided the front as my bangs were dancing with my eyelashes and that's just not cool, mmmkay?

Lips:

• If you're gonna say it, say it with your lips.  
• Ruby Woo by Mac Cosmetics.
• This red choice was unpronounced.
• It just hit me to wear red on them lips.
• So, I did.

Total Outfit Investment:  $52.25 

{damn, them booties really put a hurtin' on my total.  hApPy as a lark OVER THEM STILL!}

October 2012

My personal word of growth for October was {flow}.

My mission:

• feel it; do it
• make plans
• try, try again
• let go
• find a way
• set it high
• create in real time

My status:

*  *  *  *

4 out of 5 stars

My memories:

feel it; do it--Sometimes I get caught up in the I can'ts of life.  I want to, but I can't. I should, but I can't.  If only, but I can't.  This month.  I stopped the I can'ts.  I just simply said I can.  I found ways to make things that mean something to my heart happen.  I have had it on my heart to help a sweet friend from college who is living with Stage IV Breast Cancer.  Karson and her husband, Jason, have been through so much living with this monster. By using my Sunshine for the Soul candle line and with the amazing out pour of love and support, my hands made for them.  With just a 4 day window of time, all proceeds from every pumpkin spice candle purchased went directly to Karson and Jason.  I was amazed at the amount of love that was shared.  My hands were but the vessel that moved this love into motion.  I can't tuned into I cared.  

make plans--Friends are a staple in life.  To have a handful of great ones is something I am so thankful for.  This month I was able to see 5 of my most favorites for a substantial amount of time.  I cannot say thank you enough for the premium grade of gasoline they provide in filling up my tank.  I can only hope I do the same for them in return.  I laughed, I cried, I held newborn babies, I drank wine and listened too.  The extra time it takes to schedule out these visits is so worthy to the soul.

try, try again-- Man, can days go awry.  And, how is it that you can even watch it happen before your very eyes all the while doing your best to yield it from happening and yet, kaplooey.  These are days I count as loss.  The time teaching my boys, the days my fingers can no longer support stitches, the cranky that comes from lack of sleep or sore soul searching.  This month I worked to use these days as catapults for the next day's good.  My mind shift was all that changed.  No tanking and tantrum throwing.  I am not gonna lie.  Mind shifting is HUH-ard.  But, I worked on it.  It made an impact on our month together.  God's blessings of new mercies each morning are no joke.  He is so awesome.

let go--So, in the dinner world, our October was predominantly processed.  And, I am officially counting that as a good why?  Because I let go of "I can do it all."  I cooked when I could and when I couldn't corn dogs were served with tater tots right along side carrots and apples time and again.  McDonald's chicken nuggets worked their wonders as well.  You can't be Betty Crocker, Vera Wang and Marva Collins all wrapped in one ALL THE TIME.  

find a way--I have longed to spin my business in a platform for purchasing.  This October I hosted my first Harvest Celebration Gift Debut.  It set in motion sales that far exceeded my entrepreneurial expectations.  It.was.work.  It.still.is.  Being the sole employee of k.Mac, I am the advertiser, photographer, designer and seamstress too.  Stretching myself in this venue has taught me a lot about timing and the beauty of giving it a go.

set it high--I worked this month with the boys on their best.  I set a tone of no tolerance for anything less than that.  There were more than one paper crinkled only to start over.  Erasers were used in maximum capacity too.  But, they got it.  They got that their best is expected and celebrated.  I am quite certain 20 new gray hairs became residents on my scalp for this push of excellence this month, but well worth the lesson I am sure.  

create in real time--The one thing I adore about homeschooling is that there are no hoops to have to jump or time to be wasted.  I love getting our hands into creating with real world flair.  My boys are authors.  Eli finished his 4th book this month as a writer.  His other 3 were published in his kindergarten and 1st grade years.  Casey is now author to his 1st book.  The time spent working through the creative writing process was extensive.  They can also add illustrator to their tag line of accomplishments.  I could be any prouder of these two.  At 5 and 7 years old, they know rising action, climax, falling action and resolve.  They can find it in stories they read and create it in stories they write.    They are fluent in simile use in their writing and can spot other figurative language such as metaphors and personification too when they read and even when they watch TV!  Learning in a real sense continues to wow me time and again.  

Penning it down.  

Tapping it out.

Worth.

This dizzy prairie girl with the dirty hair and yellow suede fringe booties is happy with her October.

{flow}

.mac :)

{establish}

 Soothing colors are for the birds.  Don’t be throwing me a palette of pale if  you expect me to feel intrigued, up, or in the mood.  It.just.won’t.happen.  My September month was best spent.  It was a month full of busy and the beginnings of good on so many levels.  So much that I'm having to play catch up on my monthly grade outs.  I know you have all been traumatized by my tardiness.  I beg your forgiveness.

For those new to my rhythmical breakdown, it's time you catch up:

January

February

March 

April

May

June

July

August

Ready...set...go!

Ensemble Statistics:

Shirt:

• black & white stripes with super cute tuxedos sleeved buttons
• $1.00 Goodwill
• I started this whole monthly growth campaign with this shirt’s debut here.
• It’s a great longer length with a perfect stretch-to-slouch ratio.
• I initially bought it to wear alone with skinny jeans, but it has evolved into the the go-to base layer undershirt.
• I even wear it under my knock around graphic tees that girls in their mid-twenties sport makes me feel all kinds of alternative awesomeness.

Jacket:

• This jacket spoke to me while on the rack.  It said, “Just what would you do with a short sleeved baby doll-esque jacket like me?”
• I smiled and simply said, “I’ll take you home.  That’s just what’ll I do.”
• $2.25 Goodwill 1/2 off weekend.
• It’s a tomato orangey-red color. 
• It has great o-ring like dangly pulls on an overrun outlet of zippers.
• I really like it.  
• I’ve worn it with chocolate, mustard, cream, pink and blue thus far.  All on separate occasions mind you.  Although from the looks of my ensemble in these pictures, I can see where you might think otherwise.
• Instant love affair/semi-addiction I have going on this with this jacket.
• It has petite mini pleats just below the collar bones.  
• I need a moment.  There.  I'm back.

Corsage:

• The Fabric Corsage by k.Mac.  
• Each time I wear one of my corsage designs, I receive a compliment.  
• They’re unique.  
• They’re personalized.
• They’re fun.
• They look great on any shirt for a splash of different, jacket lapel for a layered POP of color or in your hair atop a low messy bun or in a half way up arrangement.

Jeans:

• Gettum green, huh?
• Yep.
• $2.25 Goodwill 1/2 off weekend
• I get that they’re not the skinny jean look as they are, in fact, rockin' the flair leg vibe, but at $2.25 I’ll color block like a mad dog with some boat crop jeans.  

Shoes:

• Stop the press.
• These girls are my babies.
• $2.00 Goodwill 1/2 off weekend.
• I cannot tell you how much I love them.
• Um, yeah I can.  Watch here to see how they came to be mine. Yeah, you might as well watch every video if you need inspiration to find your own cheap thrills.  Me and my girls won't disappoint.   
• Wanna go Goodwill shopping with me now, don’t ya?
• And, they say Disney World is where dreams come true. 

Bracelets: 

• $5.00
• Dillard's Department Store pre-Thanksgiving sale 2009
• HUGE rock like rhinestones with a magnetic clasp.
• Get compliments on these all the time.
• The rhinestones have a gray vibe to them which promotes an old world vintage look.
• I wear these happies a lot. 
• Sparkly things speak to me.  
• So do short sleeved baby doll-esque jackets of the orangey-red like.  
• Nope, not on any medication yet.
• The other round of bracelets on my left hand are those stretchy beaded Earth tone stone type bracelets.  
• I got them in a pack of 3 from the Dollar Tree about 3 years ago.  
• I liked the grounded element of Earth tones in them so I slapped them on so to offset the schizophrenia camp in session with the rest of my ensemble.

Earrings:

• FREE
• They belonged to my great grandmother.
• clip-ons
• They’re an Earthy jewel tone conglomeration set in a tawny yellow brass gold.
• I thought they further supported my non-schizophrenia rally, so I went with them on the lobes.

Hair:

• Durty-durty, you know how I do.  What? No Air Force Ones for you?
• I have it in some sort of rat's nest bun in the back.  
• I calmed my bangs down with the big ole curling iron barrel.  Typically, I have a tendency of obsessive overuse of this tool in the bang department.  
• SCORE:     Meghan:  1     Curling Iron Overuse:  0 
• Nope, not on any medication yet.

Overall outfit investment:  $13.50


September 2012:

My personal word for growth for September was establish.

My mission:

1. Be visionary; not a dictator.
2. Be steady in motion.
3. Find a new routine.
4. Sit for a bit
5. Second guess perfection
6. Give to God
7. Projects are fun
8. Be real with the boys.

My status:

*  *  *  
3 out of 5 stars

My memories:

1.   Be visionary; not a dictator.  The world will not end if what I had on our homeschool agenda for the day was not ALL accomplished.  Likewise, for my design schedule for k.Mac.  Rome was not built in a day.  Plans are made for progress forward.  Rearranging is called life.  You are not a loser, Meg.  You are human.  Re-group and get your happy cap on to keep plugging.  Ahem.  Got it.  Gonna need to keep reminding myself of this one. 
2. Be steady in motion.  Movement works.  And, it works best if done consistently rather than in ginormous spurts.  No, you can't clean out the kitchen cabinets, design a new handbag, teach Eli emergent division and help Casey with writing at one time.  STOP.  You can move fluidly with one task and EASE into the other.  Shew, this one takes work and lots of reminders for me.
3. Find a new routine.  Get up early.  Make the most of the time before your family needs you most.  Work efficiently when you are at your best.  I rocked this one out.  Voila!  A new routine has been established.
4. Sit for a bit. I don't enjoy being still.  But guess what?  I do.  Oh, I am learning that relaxing is so kind to my soul.  I attribute this lesson to Kenny.  He gets the shiny gold star for teaching me this.  
5. Second guess perfection.  It's unattainable.  Your best is undeniable.  Make time to foster your best.  Screw this mystical mirage called perfection.  I AM GETTING THERE!
6. Give to God.  We are tithing regularly now.  I am taking more time for Him in my day.  I am praising Him for all good things that cross my path.  I am finding my focus so much easier when plugged in to His plan for my life, moreover, my Christian walk.  Love seeing the good coming from this.
7. Projects are fun.  Enjoy them with the boys.  Teach them cool things.  Watch them make and grow.  See how it makes them feel.  Paint, cook, take hikes.  Be more with them than just the teacher that facilitates learning at a desk. I am so proud of what we have done this month in this department.  I hope to show these great projects here in this space.
8. Be real with the boys.  I wanted to teach them more about the realness of schedules, money and time.  I wanted to help them see what all goes into a day from start to finish for a family.  They worked with me on dinner making and meal planning.  I had them keep track of things we needed when they ran out of them around the house.  I made it a point to show them how long it takes to get things done in order to get some where in a timely manner. I had them look at money in our home and how it was used for necessities.  They counted out the money for the water bill.  They added up the electric bill and paid attention when the grocery total rang up on the register. I can't tell you how great these lessons were to provide their little minds with a glimpse of the bigger picture. Believe it or not, these lessons ended up helping me to be more efficient along the way too.

Soothing colors. Nah.  Bring it bold.

I'll color block your socks off.  New beginnings in my camp have officially been established.  Established in my best most imperfect way.

September.  Checkity-check-check.

.mac :)

What the cluck?

I have chickens on my sweater.  What the cluck? Ah, goldenly therapeutic.  So much so that it deserves an echo. What THE cluck? There comes a time in one's life where the stereotypes of status, trend and overall age identification deserve the interrogative resting in the above sequential letter format. I am finding that time for rest, the presence of pure joy, the manifestation of chin hairs lunatic deranged hormone battles and the need to wear just what the hell you want no matter who approves is quite definitive in this round-up-to-40-year segment of life. 

For those new to this space, you have some catching up to do.  

January

February

March 

April

May

June

July

The answer is no.  I do not plan on selling a 2013 calendar from this rhythmic conquest.  Put your money back in your pocket.  There will be no pre-order sale with cash only either.  These pictures are just my way of infusing some of my cheap thrill finds into my quest for a better me. 

We all set? Let's dive in then.

Ensemble Statistics:

Sweater:

• Fiebel Flower brand (a real cool tag too)
• $1.25 
• Goodwill 1/2 off weekend 
• The older I get, the more in tune I am with what I like.  I am not a lover of chickens per say.  But, this sweater took a nose dive leap off the rack and into my hands as if we were kindred spirits of sorts.  I didn't even consider that it might not fit.  I looked at its whimsical offset details and it was love at first sight.
• It has grosgrain ribbon trim in kelly green and pine brown juxtaposed against lemon yellow.
• It has black and yellow chickens knitted throughout.
• It has those perfect 3/4 length sleeves.  I.heart.a.3/4th.length.sleeve.  This sleeve design looks great down or up.  You know, kinda like Kirstie Alley's hair? The fact that I just linked a hair shout out to her instead of one of the Kardashians speaks volumes as to why I am choosing sweaters with chickens on them.  
• The bowtie.  Ahem.  Melts me.  It tapers out from tiny to wide on the ends WITH big hand-like made yellow stitches for trim.  Brilliance.
• This sweater is light weight and so soft.  It would even call it dainty. 
• Oh wow.  It just hit me.  This sweater is like the adult version of all those snazzy smocked dresses little girls' mamas swoon over and are infatuated with to the point of Paypal account exhaustion.  Hmm.  And, to think I never owned a smocked dress.  Well, hmph.  I do now!

Shorts:

• Route 66 (KMart brand)
• Still had all the tags on them.
• $1.29 
• Goodwill 1/2 off weekend
• Lemony rich yellow
• Again, these jumped in my buggy and screamed, "Mama!"
• Yes, that's correct.  They are shorty short.  
• Yes, that's correct.  I am in the round-up-to-40-year segment of life.
• And, I don't care.  I have always liked short shorts. 
•  I have no hind end, so no worries of that peaking out the back end of the shorts for all you wondering if I was in Daisy Duke mode. 
• These are perfect on the waistline too.  Just right above the hip bones.   

Shirt:

• Faded Glory (WalMart brand)
• $1.19
• 1/2 off Goodwill
• It has the cutest cut too.
• Shorter capped sleeves and a baby doll tapered design for wearing alone.
• Great length.  
• I have given up on deciding what length is "in".
• Upon our last University of Tennessee football game attendance, I people watched like a mad dog as I felt certain it was like I  was flipping through the pages of People's Style Watch issue only through more of a hand-me-down second hand sorority source.  
• High-low shirts are back in?  Damn.  I never liked them.
• Polka dots.  The perfect size.  Enough said.

{If any of you have never met my father, meet his knees.  Inheritance is AWESOME.}

Shoes:

• Vera Wang's Simply Vera brand
• $.25
• 1/2 off Goodwill
• These shoes are killer awesome.
• I've been on the lookout for a pair of black ballet flats that had some kick-like texture to them.
• I adore the oversized buckle.
• Washed them 4 times in color bleach and soaked them in the sunshine.
• I am looking forward to wearing these with all kinds of leggings, high-low dresses and tight rolled jeans this Fall/Winter season.  
• Geez, I JUST got used to the skinny jeans, people.

Earrings: 

• My great grandmother's clip-on chunky rhinestone floral set.
• Totally love these earrings.  
• I get compliments on them every time I wear them.

Hair:

• 3 months PAST due for a cut and color.  
• dirty
• Windblown from the windows down all day
• Pinned back with a tiny clip in the bangs area.  Those clips are of Satan I tell you.  They look at me and say, "Nah, you don't really want to fix your hair today, do you?"  
• Makeshift braid with no tie on the end.  Yes, my hair is that raspy that it can sorta hold a braid on its own when it has reached its maximum dirty potential.  Let's just say I was there, okay?

Total Outfit Investment:  $3.98

August 2012

My personal word of growth for August was perseverance.

My mission:

• Set schedules
• Seek answers
• Stay focused
• Try new ideas
• Be honest with yourself
• Seek counsel
• Prepare 
• Promote
• Be more prayerful
• Find rhythm in the ebbs & flows handed to you

My status:   *  *  *  .5

3.5 out of 5 stars

My memories:

• I want to be perfect.  I don't want one slip up to occur on my watch and in my being.  
• I am a ding-a-ling for even breathing life to this thought.
• Come on, sweet Christian girl.  You know this idea of perfection is unattainable and stupid too for that matter.  Why must you continually bang your head against the ever-lovin door of life to try to obtain something that will never exist here on this Earth?
• I like to push myself.  Well, duh?  Who else knew that was coming after the above statement?
• I sometimes have more energy and ideas than my body knows how to produce.  
• I love a schedule, but its life form sometimes squelches my creativity.
• I oftentimes want to hide under rocks when I know I have to go find out answers to problems.  Little ones or big, I dance around making the call or setting the appointment.  I am working on this.
• I need to trust more.  Those people who love me are there.  You know, the one who see my chin hairs and love me just the same?
• Some of my best ideas come on the fly.  This DOES NOT blend well when trying to be a planner.  I usually end up ditching the plan and going with the on-the-fly-idea.  I like this better.  I hope my kids do too.  Sometimes I'm not sure what they think of this.
• Prayer is medicine. He heals and He helps.  I like talking to Him very much.
• I like working with art.
• I suck at ebbs & flows.  I want it right and right now so I can check it off and move on to the next spectacular I am dying to do.  
• I constantly feel like I never do enough.  
• Note to self:  Shut up, Meghan.  It will get done when it gets done.  In the words of Coach Cobble, "Keep plugging, Meg.  Focus on what you got done, and not what you didn't."

So, for all those who read the "Oh, look a squirrel!" segment of my memories for this month, I offer you a resounding NOPE.  I'm not on any ADD/ADHD form of medication to answer your question.  I just am just a sporadically gifted perfectionist in pursuit of the unattainable.  Wine helps.  So do sweaters with chickens.

See you fellow rhythm seekers, come September.  Or, shall I say October?

.mac :)