Tag Archives: women

A Daughter & A Dress

29 May

My kids are still on a very long Memorial Day weekend break.  They had a few extra snow days they didn’t use, so this holiday is turning into a mini summer vacation.  It feels like July, so it’s fitting the kids are off and begging to play in water, any water will do.  To them a mud filled puddle of road drain-off is just as good as the town’s chlorinated pool that will not be open for at least another month.

With temperatures in the mid-to-high 80′s, we’re throwing sweaters into trash bags (because my great mission organization hasn’t found my closets yet) and digging out summer clothes.  Eighty-six degrees feels like sauna when you experience frozen rain in the same calendar month.

That’s why when my mom, myself, and my kids stopped in a store this weekend, I grabbed a few pairs of $7.88 shorts and headed into the fitting room.  My mistake is I brought my daughter, the loose lips of honesty, into the fitting room with me.

I’ve recently lost fifteen pounds and I’m at peace with my fat.  Sure I could subject myself to boot camp style exercise and Jillian Michaels, but I don’t have a death wish just yet.  I’m perfectly content to take long evening walks with my family, rather than being screamed at by my DVD (I started to type VCR) player.  I respect Jillian’s prowess in the world of fat-burning, but if I wanted to be on the biggest loser, I would not have spent the last six  weeks eating ten bunches of bananas, four pounds of almonds, and three dozen fried, but not in butter eggs.

I don’t have cholesterol problems in case you’re wondering.  I once had a doctor tell me I had the cholesterol of a teenager.  I still ask God why I couldn’t just have the metabolism of a teenager, but He is eerily silent.

The first pair of not-so-short shorts fit perfectly, were $7.88, and a neutral color.  I was all set to make them my summer uniform when my daughter scrunched up her face and shook her head.

“What? Don’t you think these will work?”

“Well…”  She said and I knew any ounce of pride over those lost fifteen pounds was about to get flushed down the toilet.

“It’s just that when people get to your age, they shouldn’t be wearing that.  And, your legs don’t look so good.”

Remind me why I carried a nine and a half pound child around in my stomach and then labored to birth this mammoth baby of truth.

Needless to say I didn’t buy any shorts or shirts or any other summery articles of clothing.  I’ll either work with what I’ve got or sell my daughter on eBay and buy the shorts.  Maybe they’ll be on clearance by then.

Anyway, because I lost fifteen pounds and because I still need to join a leg fat recovery group, I’m giving away a dress.  You’ve seen this dress before, but I promise I’ve never worn it other than in these photos.  I went to throw it on this weekend, but it’s too big on me, so I thought one of you might be able to use it.

Here is a photo of me in the dress back when it was way too cold to even think about wearing it.

Cruise Dress Fresh Produce

Why I love this dress:

1. It’s cotton.

2. It’s easy, just throw it over it over head, no fussing involved.

3. It’s washable – always a plus when you live in my house.

4. The little ruffle on the bottom flounces up and down when you walk down a flight of stairs. So cute! I’d buy it just for the ruffle.

This is an Augustine Sunshine Dress from Fresh Produce.  You can follow the link and see all the details.  This dress is a size Large and runs true to size.

If you’d like to be entered in a drawing to receive this dress, please let me know in your comment that you WANT the dress.

There are NO RULES to this giveaway, but I would appreciate it if you could hit the “LIKE” button on The Domestic Fringe’s Facebook page.  You’ll find the little box in the right sidebar and I would also appreciate your sharing this post somehow.  I don’t know how many of my readers would fit into or want this dress and I’d like to get it to someone who will enjoy it.

Thanks so much!

If you’re ever feeling a little too good about yourself, just let me know.  I’ll send my daughter right over. ;-)

It’s My Business

25 May

Today I’m linking up with Jennifer Rizzo and her Show us Your Shoppe linky party.  I know many of you already know about my Fringe Vanilla, but I have lots of new readers and I wanted to share.  So forgive me if you’ve been introduced before…please and thank you.

One cold morning my neighbor, the pastry chef, and I sat sipping our steaming cups of tea and eating another of the delectable sugar and butter concoctions my friend created. It was on that calorie filled day I shared my desire to make vanilla extract. A plan was hatched and Fringe Vanilla was born, only its birth took another two years. That’s the way babies are sometimes. Either they are breaking free from the confines of their momma or they never want to come out and greet the world. I am just happy to say Fringe Vanilla is out and it’s changing the way we bake.

Not really, but I thought I should err on the side of dramatic for this introduction.

Fringe Vanilla

100% Pure Vanilla Extract

Made with Imported Certified Organic Vanilla Beans

Gluten Free / No Sugar Added

Fresh from the Fringe

The Secret Ingredient for all Things Heavenly

SALE

Purchase your Bottle of Fringe Vanilla before June 1st and Receive 20% Off

One 4 oz. Bottle of Pure Vanilla Extract is $10 + $3 Shipping anywhere in US & Canada

Save an Additional 20% When You Order Before June 1st

$8 for 4 oz. + $3 Shipping

HURRY AND GET YOUR BOTTLE TODAY

Leave a Comment Letting me Know You’d Like to Place an Order and I will Email The Details

Much Love,

P.S. A HUGE Thank You to my super-smart, talented, and always beautiful sister-in-law, a family photographer in the Panhandle of Florida, for the lovely Fringe Vanilla photos

WIWW – Inspiration Pinterest

23 May

It’s What I Wore Wednesday time again.   For me browsing through all the links and admiring other women’s clothes isn’t about “wanting” or “buying” something I don’t have.  It’s all about finding inspiration to wear what’s already in my closet, because let’s face it, the closet could be full and I’ll still stand around in my robe saying I have nothing to wear.

This week, I looked to Pinterest for inspiration.  If you cannot find inspiration on Pinterest, you are either dead or a man.  No offense men.

So here goes…It’s What I Wore this week.

For this first outfit, my inspiration came directly from Pinterest.

Thursday

Jeans Kohl’s , Shirt GAP, Necklace Francescas

Shoes Famous Footwear

I just knew you’d want to see my feet.  That’s why I took this picture.

I jest.

Thursday

I am really thankful for some sunshiny days this past week. I love sunshine!

Skort Kohl’s, Shirt GAP, Sandals Thrifted

Friday

FringeMan and I had a date at Panera Bread.  The kids participated in Parent’s Night Out.  My children refer to it as Kid’s Night Out and I don’t care what it’s called as long as I get OUT.

Once again my inspiration came from Pinterest.  I already had these clothes in my closet.

Same jeans from Kohl’s, Shirt is Hand-me-Down, Sweater is Yard Sale, Shoes K-Mart last spring

Saturday

Out with my daughter making memories and buying fish.

Shirt & Skirt Old Navy

Sunday

I know this outfit doesn’t “match” or even “go”, but I was in a hurry and couldn’t find anything to coordinate.  I just pretended I meant to look miss-matched.

maxi skirt

Skirt Thrifted, Shirt Old Navy

Shoes K-Mart

And that’s it for this week.  I quit taking pictures on Sunday, because I can only bore you to death with so many pictures of my feet.  Now go check out The Pleated Poppy and Transatlantic Blonde for some real inspiration.

I linked the Pinterest photos to their original sources, so you can click on the photo for the source.

10 Things I’ve Learned about Dieting

16 May

I’m on a diet.  That should be explanation enough for any weird moods and hallucinations of cheeseburgers. I find myself googling every yummy food known to man in order to get a calorie count, only to realize I cannot eat it, because diets only let you eat the caloric equivalent of a piece of unbuttered toast and water.

Source: google.com via Tricia on Pinterest

I’m beginning to think liposuction doesn’t sound so bad after all.   So what if they have to gash a whole in your body, insert a vacuum hose, and suck until they hit bone, it’s gotta be an outpatient procedure nowadays.  Doesn’t it?  The only drawback is I have every bit of confidence that I could replace all that fat within a year.  That, and then there’s the money, and the cutting.  Ya, I should never underestimate someone taking a scalpel to my skin.

So I’m back to being on a diet.  This time it’s for real.  It’s not just a reconnaissance mission to take back my thighs.  I’m taking back my whole chubby self, double chin and all.  I hope there’s an exchange policy on flab.

Source: google.co.uk via Tricia on Pinterest

I’m down twelve pounds.  Doesn’t seem like much, but I did fit comfortably back into a pair of jeans I haven’t worn in quite some time.  The bummer is I’ve decided I hate the jeans.  Go figure!  It’s just my luck.  I’m stuck wearing jeans that are a size too big or jeans I hate.  Now I’m going to have to lose another size so I can justify buying a new pair.  That’s all there is too it.

Here are some things I’ve learned since being on a diet.

1.  Calories count, so count your calories.  (I just made that up this second, but doesn’t it sound like a slogan from a diet plan?)

Source: tumblr.com via Tricia on Pinterest

2.  You can sit by and watch your family eat goodies and say NO.  You will live to have another Oreo cookie.

3.  Exercise can be as simple as taking a walk with your family, but don’t overestimate the amount of calories you burned on your walk.  It was probably like ten.

Source: media.photobucket.com via Tricia on Pinterest

4.  Food is not your enemy, appetite is your enemy.  What you need and want you want are drastically different.

5.  Eat foods that are full of good things like fiber and protein.

6.  If you’re hungry, drink some water and wait a while.  If you’re still hungry, eat something, but make sure the calories are counted in your overall total for the day.

7.  Eat for the right reasons.  In my family, we tend to overeat just because something tastes good.  “It tastes so good” is not enough reason to eat more.

8.  Fad diets are not for me.  I won’t stick to them for more than three days.  I have to eat regular (to me) foods or else I won’t achieve long-term success.  Translate:  Find a meal plan that works into your budget, lifestyle, and taste.

Source: someecards.com via Tricia on Pinterest

9.  No one may notice your accomplishments, but keep going.  Brainwash your child into telling you, at least once a day, you look thinner.

10.  Make baby step goals.  If I tell myself that I need to lose twenty pounds, I’ll quit before I even start.  So I tell myself five pounds and then another five.  I’m three pounds away from my next goal.

Believe me, I’m no dieting expert.  I’m one of those women who actually enjoys eating, and it’s downright shocking how much food I can consume when I don’t stop myself.  I do not have a fast metabolism and dare I admit this, being a bit overweight doesn’t even bother me that much when I look in the mirror.  I don’t care enough to lose the weight.  What makes me diet from time to time is that I feel bad when I’m overweight.  Carrying around an extra ten, fifteen, or twenty pounds makes a huge difference.  It’s a difference I can feel when I’m sitting down and bending over.  It’s uncomfortable and I hate being uncomfortable in my own skin.

I don’t think weight management is necessarily about a number.  It’s about getting to a place where you feel good.  I suspect when you feel good, you’ll look good too.

Source: someecards.com via Tricia on Pinterest

So how about you share your accomplishments, or maybe what you’ve learned about dieting?

If you’re one of those girls who can eat a cow without even getting a gas bubble, don’t tell me please.  Jealousy isn’t good for my soul. ;-)

Shopping with A Camera

16 May

It’s What I Wore Wednesday time again, and I realized something this picture-taking go around.  I should shop with a camera. There are outfits I wear that I think look cute, but after I see myself in a photo, I don’t like them so much.

Has that ever happened to you?

This picture is from Mother’s Day.  You already saw it, I know.  I only have so many pictures from this week though, so you’re stuck with a repeat.  Sorry.

My outfit:  Top is GAP clearance (with an extra 40% off!), Jeans are from a liquidation sale at a local shop ($9.99), Shoes are Miz Mooz, Necklace is Charming Charlies.  My daughter’s dress is Kohl’s from last spring and my son is wearing Kmart.

I’m kind of digging the rolled jeans.

Have you tried that look yet?

I’ll be honest, it takes a little bravery to walk out of the house looking like Huck Finn, but I think it works.

The bonus is that it showcases your shoes, so if you try it, wear cute shoes.

Here’s an outfit I thought looked better than it does.  Jacket is a hand-me-down, shirt is GAP clearance, Necklace is Charming Charlies.

My daughter is all dressed up for an art show at school.  Dress is from a local sporting good store (believe it or not) and the shoes are Kmart.

I’m not a big fan of this outfit in photos, but in real life, it’s so comfy.  I actually love wearing it.  Skirt is H&M last spring and I can’t remember where I bought the shirt.  Boots are Target.

FringeKid’s outfit is Children’s Place last spring.

The item I would love to add to my wardrobe this summer is a pair of brightly colored jeans.  Have you bought into that trend yet?  I think it’s super-cute.

Yup.  Easter egg legs.  It’s just what I need!

How about you?  What item would you like to add to your spring/summer wardrobe?

Don’t forget to visit The Pleated Poppy and The transatlantic Blonde for outfit inspiration that is way better than mine.

And head on over to BonBon Rose Girls for Monday Mingle!  See you there.

Photo Source: zuuzstyle.com via Lorna on Pinterest

Good Morning Monday After Mother’s Day

14 May

Good morning Monday!

I hope you enjoyed your Mother’s Day.  I did.

I have the best family ever.

My son created an acrostic on the envelope of his card.

The hearth of eternal, loving relationship…wow!

That’s still making me chuckle.

Definitely goes in the “keep forever” box.

We began the day with church, a trip to Five Guys for lunch (per my request…I’ve been craving a cheeseburger.),

and then I came home and took a really long nap.

We ended the night with an ice-cream cone and a walk by the river.

It was the best day ever, a jump start into the beginning of summer.

Now I’m ready for a picnic with my cute little igloo tote, picnic blanket,

and a collapsible water bottle.

It was the perfect day.

Hope every mom enjoyed her special day.

What did you do with your own mom or with your kids?

Happy Monday!

Harley Dreams

10 May

The other day I went to the Harley Davidson shop with my husband.  I don’t like it there, but I do it to keep my marriage sweet, just like he sometimes gets out of the car and actually enters Hobby Lobby.  I think he’s mildly allergic to Hobby Lobby, because he gets goose bumps and starts to sweat as soon as the front doors part to allow him entrance.  He must have spent too much time eating glue and crayons as a child, because he now has an aversion to anything that may resemble arts & crafts.

It’s ok though.  I don’t expect him to love Hobby Lobby, just like he doesn’t expect me to love Harley.  He drooled over the bikes and I, well, I just drooled.  I realize some women love to ride bikes.  They aren’t born with birth marks, they are born with tattoos and black boots.  I’m just not that into it.  I have a hard enough time driving a car with four wheels; I don’t even want to imagine me on two wheels.  Know what I mean?  I wouldn’t just need a helmet, I’d need full-body armor.

I’ve only ridden a motorcycle once and I wasn’t driving.  I was hanging on for dear life and screaming, “Don’t lean!  Don’t lean!  I’m goooonnnnnaaaa dieeeeeeeeeee…..!!!”

I can honestly say, I have no desire to get back on a bike.

What about you?  Do you go spend time someplace with your husband just because you know he loves it there?

Do you ride?  If so, tell us why you love it.  Win me over to the dark side with your story. ;-)

Secret Ingredient on Sale

6 May

Fringe Vanilla

100% Pure Vanilla Extract

Made with Imported Certified Organic Vanilla Beans

Gluten Free / No Sugar Added

Fresh from the Fringe

The Secret Ingredient for all Things Heavenly

As Featured on Life In Grace Girls

SALE

Purchase your Bottle of Fringe Vanilla before Mother’s Day and Receive 20% Off

One 4 oz. Bottle of Pure Vanilla Extract is $10 + $3 Shipping anywhere in US & Canada

Save an Additional 20% When You Order Before Mother’s Day

$8 for 4 oz. + $3 Shipping

HURRY ONLY HAVE ONE WEEK TO ORDER

Leave a Comment Letting me Know You’d Like to Place an Order and I will Email The Details

Much Love,

P.S.  A HUGE Thank You to my super-smart, talented, and always beautiful sister-in-law, a family photographer in the Panhandle of Florida, for the lovely Fringe Vanilla photos

Fixin the Face – Fashion Friday

4 May

Source: 9gag.com via Tricia on Pinterest

In honor of Fashion Friday, I thought we could chat about makeup.

Although I wear makeup, I’m not an expert.  I’m just a girl, so I go buy some makeup from time to time and add a little color to my face so no one mistakes me for dead.

I shouldn’t admit this, but I still have a blush I bought when I was pregnant with my daughter.  My daughter is TEN!  I should probably throw that out before I get some sort of face-fungus and my skin melts into a pool under my chin.  Heaven knows my chins don’t need any extra baggage these days.

Because I’m often a trial and error type of person when it comes to makeup, I like to take advice.  If someone tells me they would take a product to a desert island, I will take note of this product.  When I run out of my current supply in 2043, I might even splurge on buying said product.

Up until the last year or so, my makeup routine consisted of washing my face (always a good place to start), moisturizing (my skin is like your garden during a drought), and then adding a little color so no-one sees me in zombie form; however, I’ve recently noticed that I’m getting some lines on my face and this sent me into panic mode.  I mean, gray hair is bad enough, but lines too?  My daughter already thinks I was around when Betsy Ross sewed the first flag.  I don’t want her seeing the lines, because she’ll put me on the nursing home waiting list, and I’m just not ready to play Bingo five nights a week.

So when I saw a review on MAC Strobe Cream, I decided to give it a try.

MAC Strobe Cream - Cosmetics

My fountain of youth came wrapped in tissue paper and MAC did something I’ve never ever seen a company do before.  About two weeks after I made the purchase, they sent me a Thank You card.  Can you believe it?

Obviously it was a first date for me and MAC.  I hadn’t ever purchased from them before, and I bought the small tube just in case I didn’t like it.

It was expensive after all.  I think this was around $15, but seeing how my makeup lasts for decades, I felt confident I’d get my monies worth.

I actually mix this with my foundation to make a tinted moisturizer.  The Strobe Cream is almost pearlessant.  That’s the best way I can describe it.  It’s lightweight and shiny and makes you look fresh as the day you bought your first pair of high heels.

The first day I used this cream, I found myself driving somewhere with FringeMan and the kids.  The sun was shining and I was feeling twenty-nine.  I looked over at him and said, “Do you notice anything different about my face?”

He glanced my way and said the safe thing.  “You look good babe.”

“No.  I mean, does my skin look dewy?”

“Dewy?”  He burst out laughing.  “What’s dewy?  Do you mean like the grass in the morning?”

Now it’s a standing joke.  Whenever he thinks I need a compliment, he tells me I look dewy, but not without a snicker.

I actually like this cream.  Dare I say, I would buy it again?  In my opinion, and don’t you dare ask FringeMan his, it does add a bit of youth to my face.  It looks refreshing, like a good nights sleep or a sunshower on a summer’s day.  I think it’s good for my skin too.  I have no idea what pickling agent is in it, but there are some things I don’t need to know.

Next up is an eye shadow.  I suspect I should be calling this pigment, so correct me if I’m wrong.

MAC eye pigments I purchased this from Laura in one of her mini blog yardsales.  She’s the makeup artist, so if you have questions about using this stuff, you should watch one of her cool videos.

I’ve loved purple ever since I was a child with naturally dewy skin, so I bought it at her sale.  I suspect I’ll still be wearing it when I’m ninety, because a little goes a looooong way.

No worries.  I plan on being the tackiest woman in the retirement community.  Preferably that community will be beachside in Flordia.  You’ll recognize me when you see me.  I’ll be the one wearing flowered capri pants, purple eye shadow, a floppy hat, and too much cheap jewelry.  And, I’ll have dewy skin.

Nuetrogena Healthy Skin blushI bought this new highlighting blush about the same time I purchased the Strobe Cream.  I own two other blushes, the one I bought during my second pregnancy and one I bought about four years ago.  I’ll have those for another ten years, but I felt like I needed something new, fresh, dewy.  This is filled with white sparkles, but it’s not too sparkly.  I don’t look like Edward Cullen in the sunlight or anything.  It’s simply refreshing.  Good for summer.

And finally…

Laura sent me this fun set of eyeshadows as a gift when she mailed the purple shadow.  At first I didn’t think I could wear these colors, but then I tried them, and I love them.  I’ve used all them!  I think I use the bright pink the least, but it’s a pretty color and I do use it on occasion.  The other three colors I use often.

They are all shades out of my comfort zone and I would never have chosen them myself, but they work.  Sometimes it’s good to have someone else make a suggestion and ease me out of my ordinary.

So that’s it.  Those are the beauty products I’ve been loving lately.

How about you?  Have tried anything recently that you like?

Linking to:

Hope you have a marvelous weekend!

~FringeGirl

They Spoke to Me

3 May

Red Flower PlatesI have a weakness for kitchen stuff.

Red Floral Plate & Dish

It’s quite ironic really, because I’m just not that fond of the kitchen.

Perhaps that’s why I enjoy pretty-ing the place up.

If I can’t love cooking, at least I can love the room I cook in.

When I was in Georgia, these dishes and bowls screamed my name from across the store.

I danced through aisles yelling “I’m coming my loves.  I’m coming.”

Not really, but they did whisper sweet temptations in my ear.

I just had to bring them home.

Kitchen with Open Shelving

They’re a nice addition, don’t you think?

So tell me, What’s your weakness?

What calls to you from across the aisles of your favorite store?

Source: allposters.com via Tricia on Pinterest

P.S.  If you’d like to come to lunch, we can use those cute new dishes and bowls.  Wouldn’t that be fun?  Do you prefer soup and a sandwich or soup and salad?

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 221 other followers