It's the Thought that Counts

I have to tell you the truth.

I'm not really wearing this.

But I was... I got dressed this morning, took Little S. to daycare, and then, on my way to work, something bad happened. I had some severe cramping that turned into a sharp pain in my chest. 

I had to pull over... 

And then I called my husband, boss, and doctor. In that order.

Then I called my dad.

I had an EKG and it came back fine. My blood pressure was skyrocketed. I don't know if it was high from the cramping I had or from freaking out about it- probably a combination of both.

Long story short- they're sending off some blood to do a bunch of testing, I have severe anxiety still, and I'm taking the remainder of the day off to rest and re-evaluate some things. Doctor's orders. Promise.

In theory, it was going to be a very pink and green, southern prep, cute day.

And now, I'm in my Old Navy grey jersey pants, yellow ribbed tank, and turquoise sweatshirt. 

Here's to you, Old Navy, for providing the best lounge clothes, ever.

satin and chiffon blush top: H&M

green, yellow, and pink tweed skirt: Thrifted

nude wedge sandals: Target

necklace: Banana Republic, gifted by ML

bracelet: gifted by Rochelle

It's the thought that counts, anyway, right?

I'm not tweeting or reading blogs 'til later tonight or this weekend. I haven't watched the royal wedding, yet, and I don't want it to be spoiled! Hope you all understand.

Now, I'm crawling into my bed with some hot tea and my laptop.

It's writing time. 

Hope you all have a nice Friday and weekend!

The Front Yard of Opportunity

... or just my front yard. 

It's whatever, really.

But it's not whatever at all, actually. A ton of this blog has disappeared into cyberspace and/or my own personal external hard drive. I hate that cyber bully more than anyone can possibly understand. But what the hacker has done for me is allow me to take a good, long look at my life and priorities and I've been able to grab a little perspective on everything. I'm thankful that during the few days that I literally couldn't work on the blog, I was able to realize that I spend a lot more time writing in the evenings than I do sleeping... or doing laundry... or making lists of chores and meals (things I actually enjoy and need to be doing). I've sort of lost grip regarding the unmeasurables in life to a world that has become measurable by "how many, how much, how far, how long?"

This blog began as a motivational tool for me to get dressed in something other than sweatpants, after I gave birth to my daughter. It helped me cope with a lot of anxiety and "extra time" that I all of a sudden had after nursing and pumping for a zillion hours a day. And now? Now, this blog is still a creative outlet. It still motivates me to get dressed and document my life in a way I'd never have imagined. This blog is the nurturer of SO many relationships of which I'm extremely appreciative.

So, basically, thank you for helping me grow. Thank you for helping me through that craptastic hacking event from last week. Thank you for STILL being here.

And now, I'm going to thank you for continuing to be here while I try to re-find my niche as a personal style blogger, with a little more life perspective, and a little bit of a new outlook on what this place is gonna be like.

charcoal silk top: Banana Republic (so sweetly Christmas gifted by ML)

leopard cardi: APT. 9 via Kohl's

charcoal and light grey striped slacks: Old Navy

pewter buckle flats: from Whitney

necklace: Zales, Christmas gifted by Husband (2007)

earrings: Charlotte Russe

I know someone who needs to get that halo taken care of.

Holy roots.

OMG.

And two orders of business:

1. Please check out the sexiest blog giveaway, EVER, over at Lulapalooza!

Then pray that I win, 'cause ya'll know your girl needs a pick-me-up when Hubs starts working day shift, hopefully next week!a

2. My dear friend, Rochelle, is moving to Japan in a few weeks. She's going to be literally living out of a suitcase for the next month and she's having us VOTE on what pieces she should include in that suitcase!

Check out the choices and give a little insight, here!

3. Go 'head and drool over the lemon bars that Collette posted.

I'm going to the store for ingredients.

Like... now.

Mish Mash & Hodge Podge

OhMyGoodnessIHaveSoMuchToSay.

And this is going to be the most disorganized mash-up of zillions of stuffs, because if I don't update you on recently-ness, I'll forget everything. "Get a notebook!" say you? Pfft. That's such a good idea. But my notebook is currently full of an extensively reproducing list of smack to do in my big kid job.

So, basically, I hope you've had your morning cup of whatever it is that helps you focus. Because I'm seriously about to go all ADD on you. And because you puffy heart me, you'll like it. And because you know me, generally speaking, you also aren't at all surprised at the amount of smish smosh that's about to ensue.

There, I said it.

It's a random little disorganized week over here, at Fashion Momma!

First, I asked on Twitter, yesterday, if anyone would like to see what I came up with for the winner of my 300 Follower Giveaway! You said, "yes!" Oh my goodness, it felt so good to hear that "yes." I was worried I'd be standing like a reality TV star at the end of a show, asking you to marry me, and you'd leave me in the dust. Phew. I sent Caitlin's package out yesterday, so girl, if you're reading, DON'T PEEK (assuming you read before you looked at the giant pictures I'm about to post... because that's the average response). Diversion. Anyway... Caitlin got to choose two pairs of tights from We Love Colors, and she chose Brown and Light Tan! I didn't get photos of those, because my lovely friends at WLC shipped them straight from their location for me. Thanks! I got to pick up the Charlotte Russe gift card that Caitlin chose, and hand-pick three accessories. I kind of cheated and picked four. Oopsie.

teal butterfly scarf: Old Navy, long chain and hammered coin necklace: Old Navy, 

rhinestone cuff and bow rings: Forever 21

That's that. Yep. I throw awesome giveaways. It's true. You should probably get on the next one.

Oh my gosh. Did I just do a spoiler? Sorry for not adding "Spoiler Alert!" a la Perez Hilton.

*****

Now's where I ask for your advice. I need help with my skin, friends. Just recently, over the past few months, I've started to get some pretty severe breakouts on my face, chest and back. You might have noticed, because I don't edit them out of my photos. It's me. It's what's going on. Real life stuff over here, you know? I'm not embarrassed. I'm just really angry and frustrated. I've had my share of acne issues, but not really since high school. Barring a few breakouts in college that I couldn't get under control, things have been pretty calm since then. And then, KA-POW! I look like a hormone-infested teenager. Awesome. Sometimes I wear make-up and sometimes I don't. Sometimes I wear tops that cover my chest, and sometimes I don't. I'm not going to let this issue paralyze my style. However, I'm in pain. I feel like I'm experiencing rosacea on my cheeks and my forehead constantly looks like an oily heat rash. My cheeks, chin, jawbone, neck, and hairline are breaking out with semi-cysts, and my back and chest look like I was bitten by 50 mosquitoes. 

WHAT GIVES?? Please and thank you.

Oh, P.S.- I'm asking you because I can't afford the dermatologist, nor will I take acne medication. So, any other ideas? 

And just when you thought you'd never see an outfit from me, again, I'll pull through.

I do it out of love for you.

And obsession with clothes.

 blush tank: H&M

black cardigan: Old Navy

black slacks: New York & Company

blush flats: Ross (don't remember the brand)

gold, pearl, and rhinestone necklace: Banana Republic (Christmas gift from ML!) 

Okay, let's do a quick recap, since you've probably become half brain-fried by now.

1. Caitlin got some awesome stuff and I like doing giveaways.

2. PLEASE weigh in on my skin problems. I need your help!

3. I love feminine, simple, sweet outfits. Oh, and I wore this last Wednesday.

I promise to be more organized and less long-winded, tomorrow.