Pomme de Reinette

Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong era. I love watching movies on Turner Classic from the 30's and 40's. There's something super glamorous about the women of those films-they look impeccable. Their clothes-even in black and white-are tight enough to flaunt their curves, but not too tight that they don't look ladylike.
Modesty is another reason why I love vintage clothing. I'm not a big fan of showing a lot of skin-it's never been my thing, no matter what size I've been. I think there's more to be said about not showing off all you've got and having an air of mystery.
One of my favorite places to shop is Shabby Apple. They feature beautifully made, vintage inspired fashions that transcend time and trends. I love everything from their shoes and accessories to the swimsuits and dresses.
One of my favorite dresses right now is this "Look of Love". It's flirty, fun and makes me feel like I've stepped into Sterling Draper.
The Panorama blouse comes in several different colors-but I love the jewel tone purple the best.
This flirty Race Point skirt is perfect for work AND going out, which I love. Versatile is so important! I don't have a huge walk in closet, so if my clothes can do double duty, that's perfect.
Right now, Shabby Apple is on sale for 20% site wide through January 31. Use the code NEW YEARS at checkout-perfect to stock up!

Favorite Things: Mother's Day Edition

Mother's Day is just around the corner and time is ticking away to buy mom a present that she would absolutely love. While I wish I had swag to give away or be sponsored by someone, alas I am not. I'm just a mom sharing some of my favorite things.
If you are on Twitter, come follow me @craftychicky! As you could probably tell, I love doing crafty things. When I read other blogs, most of them are crafting blogs, because they totally inspire me and want me to try something new. It's been a tough climb out of that pit, but I'm working on it and my hobbies are part of it. One of my favorite crafting blogs is Brassy Apple. Megan has some amazing tutorials and is so incredibly creative too. One of my most favorite things are her mosaic jeans. I saw them in her store and was psyched she sold the pattern (http://brassyapple.com/category_9/Mosaic-Jean-Kit--Women.htm) She also carries fabric scrap bags that are amazing!
Speaking of fashion (and I have a Pinterest board called Passion for Fashion so you know I'm serious!), one of my favorite on line stores is Shabby Apple. I love the style of their site, and I love the clothes too. There is a nice selection of plus size (http://www.shabbyapple.com/c-38-woman.aspx?size=plussize) fashions. My two favorites are Study Break-I love that mustard color-and West Coast Swing. You have to read the stories that go along with the items too!
I blogged about my desire for The Vintage Pearl's I Love You to the Moon and back here (http://mommydomchronicles.blogspot.com/2012/04/moon-river.html?m=1). There are so many great things in her store, but that's my favorite.
I love to scrapbook and have been doing it for years and years and years. I tend to set up photo ops for scrapbook pages. My brain just thinks like that. Thanks to my iPhone, I snap tons of candid shots, and can just upload them to the Walgreens app and order them. Way too cool. My biggest issue is sitting down and actually scrapping them. It's a combination of time and attention span (or a lack of both of them). So, I decided Becky Higgins Project Life would be perfect to share our story (see my article about it here: http://mommydomchronicles.blogspot.com/2012/04/what-story-morning-glory.html?m=1)
I've been a big fan of Whippy Cake going way back when, and while I love everything in her store, I do have a few current favorites. Right now I'm totally drooling over the Swanky Souffle collection (http://whippycake.com/shop/swanky-souffle/). Even though I had about 6 inches cut off my hair a few weeks ago I still have more than enough to add these to it! I especially love Klepto (which coordinates with most of my wardrobe) and Vanity.
I am a music fan, and have fairly diverse taste. I listen to it all day long at work, and my iPhone literally contains everything from alt country to zydeco, Abba to Frank Zappa. However, I only have a few complete albums on it: The Clash London Calling (read more about my love of the only band that matters here:http://mommydomchronicles.blogspot.com/2012/02/clash-city-rockers.html?m=1) and Mindy Gledhill's Anchor. Its the perfect soundtrack for most days. Whenever I hear Hourglass, I get a lump in my throat because as the mom of a little boy, I could have written that one myself! I love the whole album, period. Buy it, you won't be disappointed. Click here and it can be yours: http://bluemorphmusic.mybigcommerce.com/!
One of my Mommy blog inspirations going way back was Nie Nie (http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/?m=1) We have very different styles but we are both telling similiar stories. She wrote a book that I'm currently reading (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heaven-is-here-stephanie-nielson/1104239810) which is so inspirational. I'm still reading it and will have it as a Friday reads soon, but right now I'm enjoying the journey with it.
Any of these make a perfect mother's day gift (or gift period). And tell them I sent you!

Working it Out Weekend 7/16/11

What time is it?
Its time for another edition of Working it Out Weekend!



Earlier this summer, we had a family of robins that built a nest in our grill.

We spent several weeks watching the eggs grow, and then hatch to baby birds. It was so exciting. Little Man couldn't wait to come home and check on them every day.

This birds nest ring is a great reminder of it, and the tutorial is super easy!

This is a bedroom makeover I would like to try!

Suburbs Mama is making a return to Working it Out Weekend with another Shabby Apple inspired creation!

Share your favorites either in the comments section or at our Mommy Chronicles Facebook fan site!

Monday Monday

I am now just over 6 months post surgery, and I am finally starting to get back to feeling like me again. I don't have as many twinges of pain as I did. My energy level is coming back. The hormones are starting to regulate, although I do still have my days. I alternate between angry and very, very sad. I am still struggling with the post surgical body image...my scar is long, and I have no muscle tone in my stomach.
Things are progressing nicely, but I need to get me back.

me, and the little man 2007

I don't have the quick answer, and I am pretty sure its going to require a lot of hard work and determination. I did run a 5k last month, but since then, I've stopped training to be perfectly honest.

from google images

When I hit the 6 month mark last week, I actually feel like I hit a wall. I came out of the surgery enthusiastic to work out, and then smack! I was more highly motivated a few months ago than I am today.

pilates class-perfect for that tummy bulge
picture from google images

So, I need to regain my motivation. I need to get back on track and get my body back. Its bathing suit season, I am spending a lot of time at the pool with the little man.

lazy river at drake springs

I won't say that I am embarrassed by how I look, I just know it can be better.

http://www.shabbyapple.com/

I don't have an easy answer on it either.

aren't these bathing suits divine?
http://www.shabbyapple.com/

I do know that I am not feeling super comfortable in clothes right now

I love these clothes!
http://www.shabbyapple.com/

and I am not really feeling the love back.

hole in one, mini golf at thunder road
pre-surgery August 2010

I am feeling LARGE.

from google images

Add to it, I am growing my hair out,

I loved my hair like this! 2006 style, not the most flattering pose, but oh well!

camp kaleidoscope 2009

so I am at that awkward stage, where its not quite long,

the long hair style I want

 but not quite short either.

the hair style I've been wearing since, oh 1995

Its there. And its frustrating, because I can't quite do what I want with my hair-

have you checked out http://www.whippycake.com/

like a great updo

from google images

 or a messy braid.

another awesome site! http://www.lovemaegan.com/
great tutorials & super fashion

Its Monday, the dawn of a new week. I am going to try my hardest to get back on track and get back to business.

my love hate relationship, the elliptical

Time to hit the elliptical.

Saturday Surfing

 I love finding new and exciting things to do online. Here are some of my favorites from the past week. Link up and share yours too! 

I love shabby chic and am always looking for an inexpensive way to do it. These decorated mason jars found here at Homespun with Love are so adorable!

I am known around the little man's school as the cupcake angel/diva/queen, so you know if says cupcake, I am ALL over it! Like this ADORABLE cupcake tile from Southern Fairy Designs.

Father's Day is next weekend, and I am always looking for great ideas, as I mentioned here a while back. I saw these maple bacon cupcakes and I think we have breakfast all taken care of that morning!

One of my favorite websites to drool over, with tons of GORGEOUS dresses is the Shabby Apple. They are amazing and beautiful dresses. These two are my favorites:

However, I am not one to spend that much money on clothes, so I am always looking for a cheaper alternative. I found a great tutorial shabby apple wannabe at Suburbsmama. Too cute and well done!

They both look amazing!

I grew up in Salt Lake City,

which explains a lot about me and some of the things I love. One is my avid love of jello. No kidding, in Home Ec in junior high, we learned to make jello about 100 different ways. This is not your home ec jello

I saw this and it made me almost want to run right out and do it. (I said almost) but this is such a great idea and a nice touch too.

I am in the process of re-imagining our bedroom. Its a little blah, and quite frankly, I am BORED with it. I saw this  today at Target

and I REALLY like it. Its nice, and a bit of a compromise for both of us. I got wall art at Hobby Lobby today

which I can't wait to put up. Even though we have been married for like, forever, I still have the giddiness of a newlywed.

So I saw this and thought, wow what a great decor idea-it would go really well with the lettering and the new comforter that I think might come home next weekend.

Super duper simple too!

I do have a new project I want to try, so off to create

Lots of weekend inspiration!!