Sunshine and Snow

We have been having the wackiest weather ever!  This weekend we had snow, sun and rain all in the same day. Strange indeed! As soon as I saw the sun out I put on a summer dress went outside, froze my ass off and took some pictures.  Sunshine does not equal warm in the winter does it, oh well I'll take it anyway.

 How cute is the top of this dress?

I found this thrifting for $3.

  I love the back!

 I'm freezing here~ beauty is pain!

Rainbow ring from my sweet Vix!

 Pink bracelets from the beautiful Sandy!

 Believe it or not I'm a natural redhead.

 Fabulous headpiece inspired by the luscious Desiree!

and just because she is gorgeous and I love her way more than sunshine here is a picture of my Mom!

Mom you look amazing and I am happy to inspire a woman who loves me no matter what!

I really do love being me!!!!!

Well dolls it's Friday and I am so excited to tell you that I BOUGHT OUR TICKETS TO LONDON!!!!!! Yes it is true that in September my big American smile and sherbet sunshiny hair will be in the UK.  I really can't stop doing the happy dance!!!!  HAPPY DANCE!!!!  

This is the face of pure BLISS!

 I'm pretty sure this outfit is too!

  Do you see that the sun finally came out, it's a GLORIOUS day!

 I bought this necklace over a year ago on Etsy I can't find the seller anymore but this is what sparked my interest in making jewelry, isn't it tasty!

 Are you sick of my flowers yet, I can't help wearing them, I feel like a QUEEN!

 This belt is really a scarf.

 Crazy Ash!

 The religious bracelet is from my sweet Vix.  What do you think of this pink cuff, you should see it sparkle in the sun.

The light I bought must be working I have been getting up super early and doing an hour of Zumba before work.  I feel so alive!!!  I hope everyone is finding something to smile about today!

I am free to be me!

When I first moved to Oregon 6 years ago I loved going dancing.  My favorite music to dance to then was Bhangra a sort of Indian hip hop.  I also loved wearing things that sparkled on the dance floor, this shirt was a favorite.

 The blue necklace was my Grandma's and the other was Grandma Barbaras.  I love them both!

 Another kick ass floral creation.  I buy the flowers and headband at the 99 cent store so they really only cost a few bucks to make several.  Do you ladies have the 99 cent store in the UK and Australia?

I may be all smiles in these photos but today I'm sad.  The world lost two journalists today in Syria: Marie Colvin and Remi Ochlik.  While I write about fashion and shopping these two were risking their lives on the front line to bring us images and stories about people fighting for basic freedoms.  People like this are selfless and deserve to be honored for caring more about others than themselves.

 "Our mission is to speak the truth to power," she said. "We send home that first rough draft of history. We can and do make a difference in exposing the horrors of war and especially the atrocities that befall civilians." Marie Colvin

These are some of the images Remi Ochlik has snapped with his camera and a whole lot of bravery.

It appears Syria is on the brink of Civil war.

Gobsmacked

Its official Chris and I are heading to the UK in September!   I can't believe it!  We are both pretty gobsmacked!  What? I'm trying to learn some British slang!! London, Scotland and Ireland I can't wait to be in you!  This weekend I picked up a few books and Vix and I had a little Skype about it, it's going to be the best year of my life I'm sure of it! I hope I get a chance to meet most of you, and give you the biggest squeeze EVER and perhaps throw back a few.

Plenty of time to read before we travel.

 I wish I could take Peetee with me!

 Another killer floral creation!

Life is pretty fab right now!

 I wanted to let you all know I am still using my light and getting great results, I have way more energy it's so obvious!  The light was pretty expensive at about $139 but I can't put a price on how good it is making me feel.  I also wanted to give you all a nice warning about PASSWORDS.  I recently had my iTunes account stolen, some Chinaman cracked my password which was an easy one.  Luckily I quit using the same password for everything a few months back, otherwise they would've had access to my bank account.  That is some scary shit!!!  My advice is to use a program like Password1 to make sure you are protected.  Don't wait until it's too late.  Anyway, have a lovely week all!

My pressing engagement ~O O~

I'm happy to report that the mammogram wasn't that bad after all,  what the heck was I afraid of anyway?  My girls are just fine and I will have no problem doing this every year from now on.  I also checked out a new independent gym right by my house and I love it, I'll join up the first of March as I'm still getting better at Zumba and can't wait to take a proper class. After yesterdays rant, it's reassuring to hear that we all feel our power as a consumer and that with a bit of conscious effort we can show these big corporations that enough is enough. I am learning so much from you guys!

In other news, I've had a hard time lately with the total lack of sunshine, it makes me feel like the skeleton bride in this drawing a dear friend did for me years ago.  By the time I'm done with work and making dinner I am exhausted, the fact that it's already dark out doesn't help either. A friend of mine recommended a full spectrum light.  Hmmmm.

After doing a bit of research I found this ONE by Philips to be rated the highest in customer satisfaction it specifically transmits blue light and is designed to help fight winter blues. It's small packs a punch and has a rechargeable battery so no annoying cord for the cats to attack.

I know it doesn't look like much but I could feel the effect immediately.  I am using it twice a day once in the AM for 15 minutes and another in the afternoon for 15 more, its like coffee but better.  Last night for the first time in a long time I actually found myself full of energy and out late running around. I'll keep you all posted but I have high hopes that this just might make these long dark days a bit more tolerable.  Has anyone else ever given these a try?

Have a great weekend whatever you find yourself doing!

Boobies and Evil Corporations

I figured that would get your attention :)  I have my first ever mammogram today, I am not looking forward to getting my boobs squished, but it is a necessary thing at my age.  Please say a lil boobie prayer for me today.

I also won't bore you with the juicy details that left me storming out of LA Fitness (the evil corporation that bought my small gym and closed it) but I can tell you that enough is enough!!!  The only power I have as a consumer is to not give companies like this my money!  I would rather bench press soup cans in my basement than help another company that thinks bigger equals better.  Pretty soon there will be no choices left, one gym, one cable company, one grocery store, this is what I fear most.  2012 is the year I take a stand and put my money where my mouth is.  If you are an evil big corporation, you are poison to me and I will not drink the koolaid anymore.  Shame on all you greedy people only concerned with making more money and providing consumers with less.

 Normal pretty girl stuff to resume soon, right now I'm livid!

"Feet, why do I need them if I have wings to fly"

My sweet followers, have I told you how much I love you?  I love you more than warm chocolate chip cookies with vanilla ice cream, more than crisp french fries dipped in ranch dressing, and more than this little blog could ever convey.  You make me a better me.  Will you be my Valentine?

I feel like Frida Kahlo with my beautiful floral creation.

This kiss is just for you!

I'm bringing pretty back!

 This dress is a recent thrift store find and was only $5.

 Just because winter is dark and gray doesn't mean I have to be.

I can't wait to wear the others!!!! I hope you all feel the love today and everyday.