Friday Favorites

It's been kind of a gloomy couple of weeks for me but I'm trying to pull through and create some happiness.I live in Iowa and it is COLD, and windy, and snowy, and COLD.  Did I say it's COLD?

I'm planning on a shopping day soon.  Just myself and whatever I want to do.  Sometimes that is best. You don't have to worry about meeting someone else's expectations.  You just do what you want to do, go to the stores you want to go to, talk to yourself.  All introverts completely understand the joy that is found in these kind of days!

I have a few things I am loving at the moment.  Loving, meaning I use a lot!  First off, I haven't been very productive lately.  Gloomy, snowy, school snow days have thrown everything off.  Including work.  I definitely have a lot of flexibility to work at home and on my own time frame, but I think some forget that I still have a full time job.  I'm the only one that does my job and if I take a day off then I still have to make that work up some other time.  So, to keep myself going on some of these days and especially for my meetings with my boss (hello hubby) I make lots of lists.  I like to have pretty notebooks handy so at least my desk can have some pops of color and look pretty and functional.

These are from Target a few months ago but I am also loving the Kate Spade notebooks!  Just a bit pricier than my trusty Target ones.

Secondly I'm wearing lots of scarves.  Not just for with my coat or outside with a cute puffer vest, but also for inside my home.  It just keeps me extra warm and snugly in these cold Iowa winter months.  Here are a couple of my favorites:

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I actually own this in a vibrant red but it appears it is no longer available.  It is extra large and sometimes I wear it as a wrap when my arms are needing extra covering.

Another Favorite is 

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This one isn't as bulky but it's great with a cream colored cashmere sweater or to wear over your coat.  It's super soft!

Finally, I'm loving two new books that I got.  

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The second book is currently my all time favorite.  A little overwhelming to get started but the pictures are so pretty and that seems to motivate me.  I have a lot of sticky notes attached for what I would like to do in the house.  This might be a year project....Or more.

Well, there is my Friday favorites.  Nothing new.  Actually somewhat outdated, as in around Christmas time, but I just haven't been out much to see the new trends.  It's also hard to purchase purely decorative and light weight scarves when every other day we are getting more snow and the temps keep dropping.  Maybe in March I will be more inclined to shop for spring items!

Perking Up with a New Do!

I must be on a fashion kick!  I really am.  I got my hair cut on Monday and it has set me on journey (for the week) of making myself look pretty every day.

Let's start with a before pic:

In my defense, I had washed my hair that morning and did nothing else.  It's pretty frizzy and unruly.  It looks much better when I straighten it.  It was still tired and very dry.  I made my appointment thinking I was just going to get a trim but my kids, aka daughter, convinced me to get it cut.  We set out on an adventure to find a new style that we both liked.  Apparently my hairstyle was boring and it needed to be fun in order for me to be a fun mom, or for it to fit my personality.  Not sure how they meant it, but I'm guessing it's the last one;)  

So...we went in with our pics and explained what we liked and what we didn't necessarily like.  My daughter was pretty specific that she did not want it shorter in the back and longer in the front.  

Monday I came out of the appointment looking like this:

It's super cute and fun!  Score with all of the kids and hubby!  The pics that I had shown the stylist as my inspiration had also had some ombre highlights.  She, obviously didn't have time that day so we schedule another appointment the following Thursday.

Here it is today:

What I love about it is that there are no stripes!!!  I don't look like a tiger with crazy highlights.  My stylist did a great job of listening to my concerns of brassy looking hair that couldn't be styled both curled and straightened.  She left the upper portion of my hair pretty much untouched and then added multiple colors below to gradually lighten it up a bit with just a few blond tips and small strands.  It looks great and has totally perked me up during these cold winter months.  

My dark hair didn't look bad but I have a bit more dimension now and a little glow around me!  Not liking my outfit very much today, so I might go change....#perksofworkingfromhome

So here is my inspiration lately on doing my hair and getting myself dressed up.  A new do is always an up lifter!!!

Today is Always Better than Tomorrow!

Because I'm awesome at posting in a timely manner....I decided to post today.

I'll be honest.  I like my outfit and wanted to show the world.  I also wanted to let world of stay at home moms and work from home moms know that just because you work from home does not mean you can look the same from when you got out of bed to the time you went to bed.

I am fortunate enough to have a job and a boss (hi hubby) that allows me to work from home whenever I feel like it.  I also have an office on site that allows me to wear whatever I want as well.  I'm the boss of myself....sort of (hi hubby).

Cute doggies make the pictures even better!

One thing I have learned in the last several years of actually having a paid job is that my wardrobe actually has an impact on my performance.  When I stay in my pajamas because I'm tired and lazy, I work in a tired and lazy manner.  Even if I am feeling tired and lazy, but I get dressed and put on jewelry or makeup (I only do both if I have a meeting....with someone other than my boss (hi hubby))  I am so much more productive when I take the time to do my hair and get dressed in something nice.  It encourages me to not take a nap (mess up my hair).  I feel professional!  Which of course I am with a job and a boss (hi hubby).  I feel like doing something and maybe even going out.  I got dressed, I might as well make sure the world knows that I took the time and effort to do that!

So...if you had a late night, or kids up puking, or are just plain tired because your kids were home yesterday on holiday...aka MLK day, GET DRESSED!!  It's my best advise for the day.


Even if the day is almost done.  It's never too late to do it either.  

I like to take selfies and send to my boss (hi hubby) to show that I was already super productive with my day by getting dressed!

PS...My husband gets home late tonight so I will not look like this by the time he gets home.  Another reason to send pretty pictures of yourself all dressed up to your husband.  He said "you look sharp!"  I'll take it!!!

Sources:

Blouse, Sweater, and Jeans:  Target-  At least last year.  I'm thrifty ;)

Boots:  http://us.hunterboots.com/female-tall-rain-boots/womens-original-tall-rain-boot/black/283  

Socks:  Target (christmas present from hubby!)

Necklace:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/144961565575/

Purse:  http://www.solesociety.com/rowan-navy-stripe.html

{Backwards}

It's backwards night at AWANA tonight.  I mentioned it to my children just a couple of minutes ago and this is what I see already.

Even the 4 year old is ready in his backwards shirt.  I must admit that I usually hate these themed nights.  I boycotted banana night and crazy hat night.  I accidentally forgot crazy hair night...but backwards night, well that's as easy as pie.  Just right for this busy mother of four.