WWD: Super(slacker)post

Look, I'm as shocked as any of you are that I am posting. I hope Shan is sitting down when she sees this.

I don't even know what to say or when these were taken, but here are some random things I've put on my person recently.

There was that one day I wore that black flower with netting in my messy side bun. Which, here just looks like I might be getting attacked by a creature of sorts. Which reminds me of the conversation the Mr. and I had on the way to KC for the holidays about Siouxsie and the Banshees and subsequently The Creatures. So there is that..... Anyone else live for Sunday nights and 120 Minutes on MTV back in the days of yore? (Which was a Wednesday, Shan.)

Then, there was that one time when I wore this brown cord jacket from the Banana with a tunic, vintage flava flav necklace and old Nine West boots. I can't really explain it but this outfit made me so happy this day. Comfort is king. No, wait, that is red wine. Comfort is a close second.

THEN, I summond my inner Dorothy Zbornak that one day and wore this drapey jacket from resale. You'll be happy to know I just left the matching ankle length skirt behind. It was quite the ensemble in all its glory. Totally Golden Girls. RIP those who have left us. Busted. I can't remember which ones have passed and am too lazy to Google it.

Then there was the The Day I Went All Deep Space Nine On Your Ass. This sweater makes me feel all futuristic and 2010. Oh, wait, it is 2010. Nevermind.

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This is also the day I intentionally wore navy and black. And had holiday dinner with some amazing ladies that I'm lucky to know.

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Fun Fact: This is from the Scholar Shop resale. I've mentioned it one or twevity five times on this blog. One of the things I love about this particular shop is that they get in a lot of high-end merch from the surrounding affluent neighborhoods. They always have a rounder of St. John stuff, for example. At resale, it's still upwards of $150 and some as much as $350. Now, before you get all "St. John? Who do you think you are? Just because Angelina Jolie was their spokesperson, does not mean it's not a lot of stuff for "mature" ladies who lunch." I know. I would agree. Some of it is very Real Housewives of St. Louis, but some of it is really, really cool.

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My point is that for some reason this item was not tagged so it didn't make it into the St. John section. I guarantee you though that judging by the work on it, the quality, the fabric, the feel, the touch of cotton, oh wait..by every thing about it, it is definitely St. John. I say that not all "look at me...I'm like the next Angelina and am going out to get my own United Babies of Benetton." I say that to say because it wasn't tagged it was only $15. Not $150...FIFTEEN. Oh happy day.

And, finally, the day I took pictures because I was wearing the vest that Shannan reminded me I wore on our "second date." This is my little shout out to one of my very favorite people. Paul Rudd.

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I KEED. For you, Shan.

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The outfit is no big whoop but the vest is extra special and so are you. Thank you for another year of friendship, fun, advice and lots and lots of laughs. I love you like I love sweet potatoes. Yes, THAT much.

Okay, even more that the Tuber Of The Hebbins. But let's keep that to ourselves.

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Merci!

Ames

WWD: Black and Blue

Wearin a little black and blue, which reminds me of Van Halen (or Van Hagar, however you choose to look at it), which reminds me of a college boyfriend who used to bring over Van Halen 5150 on video every. single. weekend. to watch. And I loved it.

Said boyfriend was somewhat of a country boy - okay - he was DEFINITELY a country boy (some may say hick) - let's just say he drove his truck home one night after having spent a hard night drinking, and decided halfway home it was best to get out and walk because he was so drunk. The next day his dad woke him to ask the whereabouts of said truck. After searching some back roads near their house in the sticks, they found it in the middle of a dirt road, with both doors open, running, just where he had left it.

The same ex has become a somewhat successful country singer, and opened for the likes of George Straight and Garth Brooks, to name a few. In the words of our own modern day Shakespeare (Miley Cyrus) "that's purty cooool."

Said ex also had a good friend named Billy Lee, who was known to drink LOTS of Wild Turkey, saying after a good hard slug, "Aw hell, it tastes just like iced tea..."

We used to go to his parents' house on weekends and jam - they had a sweet setup, drum set, keyboards, guitars, mics, etc. etc. (not to mention an indoor pool and sauna). My big number? My Prerogative, by Bobby Brown. Dude - it was the NINETIES - cut me some slack. We weren't picky with our music - we were into everything from Halen to The Judds to Bobby Beeeeee.

Good times. Chooch - if you ever come across this blog - hollaaaaa!!!!

Sweater: Target

Pants: F21

Spiderweb necklace: ASOS

Boots: JC Penny

Merci!
Shan

WWD: Seriously, Jack Black, CALL ME.

If you have not seen Yo Gabba Gabba (and I suspect if you don't have toddlers you have NOT), well, in my humble opinion, you are missing OUT. What's that you say? My brain has finally gone to mush? Only partly.For realz - YGG is the shiz when it comes to kidz showz (okay, okay, enough with the zzzzz). I am the first to admit that part of the reason for this is that it features actual, you know, HUMAN BEINGS and not cartoons, but the biggest part for me is the music and the guest stars. Everyone from The Shins to the Ting-Tings to The Roots to Elijah Wood, Melorah Hardin, the dude who plays Kenneth on 30 Rock, and Biz Markie have made an appearance.


But the creme de la creme, the top of the heap to guest? Jack Black. At least to my chillruns. Aww hell, to me too. I can't think of another celeb since Chris Farley who is as unabashedly FREE with themself as Jack Black is. The dude is a maniac, and hence THE PERFECT PITCHMAN for toddler shows. His episode of YGG is utter perfection. I love it like a fat kid loves cake. I love it ALMOST as much as my kids love Jack Black.

I'm not lying. Scarlett has taken to randomly declaring, "Me love Jack Black," except it comes out "Me wuv Jack Beee-ack." It's only a matter of time before she starts God blessing him in her night time prayer, right behind Santa.

The fact that Gulliver's Travels is out at theaters right now is SOMEWHAT of a life-saver because of all the commercials, because guess who accidentally let the DVR delete Mr. Black's episode? This guy. Gulp. I swear, The Trips ask to watch it at least twelvity-five times a day ("Jack Beee-ack? Jack Beeee-ack????"), and I have to tell them AGAIN, "Uh, mommy is sorry, but I accidentally deleted it from the DVR," to which they respond "Jack Beee-ack?"

Sooooo, Jack Black, if you happen to google yourself and come across this, I would be EVER so grateful if you could give me a call, drop a line, stop by if you're in the area and say hi to your biggest little fans. I ain't even joking.

I would be happy to make you a sandwich, some corn-dogs, macaroni and cheese WITH hot-dogs, or Chef Boyardee to make it worth your while.

You can even bring your friend along.

Come ON - I believe I've just made you an offer you can't refuse, am I right?

Sweater: Kohl's
Dress: Tucker for Target
Shoes: Jessica Simpson Dany's

Necklaces: Vintage from mum, Garage Sale

Tights: Target

Earrings: F21????
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Merci!
Shannan

WWD: Lofty Ideals

I sit here looking out the window down my dark street, Christmas lights on the neighboring houses a festive runway. Think about the long weekend, the Trips' first REAL Christmas - one they had a tiny understanding of, listening to them talk about Sinta! Sinta! Sinta! on Christmas Eve when we laid them down to bed, watching them tear through presents the morning of, Scarlett opening one, then lifting her tiny finger next to her cheek and asking "One mo? One mo?" until everything had been opened, leaving the carnage of shredded paper and torn boxes strewn across our living room.

Watching Shrek The Halls with them for the 87th time, and Gavin always, ALWAYS covering his eyes on the part where Ginge tells the story of Santa gobbling up his girlfriend (the gingerbread girl).

Being simultaneously stir crazy from being in the house with them for several days straight yet falling in love with them more each day, being so frustrated when I tell them to stop doing something and they blatantly continue doing it, feeling my blood pressure rise, yet immediately running when I hear what I know to be a scream of pain after Simon and Gavin collide, chasing each other up and down the hallway, the back of Gavin's head catching Simon in his nose, and holding his tiny, hot sweaty little boy body, breathing in the salty shampoo and sweat scent from his head while he cries against me.

Wondering how I can be SO READY for them to go to bed at 7:30, yet have moments when I miss them, even from having been asleep only for 2 hours, that I want to go wake them.

Standing in my kitchen in the dark, looking out through the trees to the homes in the next subdivision that are lit with multi-colored lights that make me so content to be where I am in life at that moment.

Realizing that even with my very imperfect family, and the struggles I have had with my dad, that I am incredibly, immensely blessed with what I do have.

And I go to bed, fall into a deep peaceful sleep, waking only briefly when my husband climbs in beside me later, his body so cold against my own warm body, and we wrap together, warming and cooling each other, and breathe deeply, curling away from each other just before falling asleep again, and I am content in this.

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Sweat Jacket: Loft
Plaid Shirt: The Hubs' from Target
Pants: Marshall's

Boots: ZooShoo
Earrings: F21

Necklace: House of Harlow

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Merci,

Shannan

Happy Christmas

Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there - fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge - they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around.

- Love Actually

Stuff We Would Kiss On the Mouf: Where Did U Get That

I have posted photos of Karen from Where Did U Get That before, but sweet wind cries Mary, she has been knocking it outta the park lately. These are some of my favey crocketts.

This shearling cape would make me slap my grandma, no lie. It it crazy bananas awesome sauce. I found a poor, poor substitute yesterday at the Goodwill for $6.99, a suede coat with shearling collar and giant cuffs. It'll do for now.

Don't EVEN get me started on this winter kimono from ASOS that is APPARENTLY SOLD THE EFF OUT. Hmmmmpfh!!!! This is utter perfection. The end.

Lord have mercy, her bits and pieces must by cold in this, but dayum if girlfriend isn't sexy as hell. I love me a deep vee.

Merci!

Shannan

WWD: Food Coma

Christmas Eve Dinner
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Nibbles:
Giada's Spiced Cocktail Nuts
Caramel Rosemary Popcorn
Cheese and crackers


Dinner:
Giada's Garlic and Citrus Roast Chicken
Meyer Lemon Risotto (and I think I'm gonna be crazy and throw in some asparagus for that funky pee smell later - asparagus - the gift that keeps on giving....asparagus, or as Carey's hubby Rob called it in a HILARIOUS blog entry - "pee-pee stink sticks..." - and now let's move from talk of urine back to FOOD, shall we???)
Sauteed green beans
Ciabatta rolls

Dessert:
Meyer Lemon Ricotta Cookies (what can I say - I have some Meyer lemons to use up)
Gingerbread Cookies, made from this Molasses Crinkle Cookie recipe

Christmas Day

Breakfast:

Panera Holiday Bread (I order a loaf every year and it is SOOOOOO good)

Goat Cheese Quiche with Hash Brown Crust (Martha Stewart - threw ya, didn't I???)

Fruit
Mimosas

Lunch:

Creamy Sweet Potato and Rosemary Soup (yup, Giada)

Ham, Gruyere and Apple Panini (from guess whoooo...)

Dessert:
Colonic Cleanse for EVERYONE!

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Ivory Tux: JC Penny
Beaded Shell: Vintage

Dark Flares: Old Navy

Sparkly Shooooooes: Hollywould for Target

Urrings: F21

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Merci,
Shannan

Five Songs of Christmas

Probably my favorite Christmas song. I love it. Not much more to say than that. Have a blessed holiday.

Merci,
Shannan

The Family Stone

I feel like my outfit in the post below is diametrically opposed to how I have been feeling lately. It's colorful, fun, loud, and I feel morose, depressed, and in conflict. I hear about other peoples' parents, and how wonderful they are, and sometimes I feel short-changed. I'm not talking about my mom - this is all about my dad. I don't know if it is an early onset of dementia, or depression, or just general crankiness from aging, but I have days where I wonder where my dad has gone. I have days where I wonder if we still have a relationship, or if I even care that it feels like it's slipping away. I have days where I wonder if I love him, and then immediate, crushing guilt.
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In the past several years, he has become a different person than the man I knew growing up. He has become bitter and negative and impossible to be around (for me anyway). Every conversation I have with him is combative, and my mom tells me things he says to her, making her feel ignorant for WHATEVER she does. My mom grew up with a father who was physically, verbally, and emotionally abusive, and I do not have fond memories of him. I remember stories of my dad arguing with him, not understanding why this man didn't like my dad. EVERYONE loved my dad. He was the kind of person that people immediately felt a kinship with, who was gregarious and outgoing and kind. Now my dad reminds me of my mother's father.
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I don't understand it. I fear that it could be the early onset of something much, much worse because he has two siblings who succumbed to the same thing. It is hard to emotionally distance myself when he lashes out at me, which he does, yet at the same time, I feel a million miles away from him. It is hard not to defend my mother from him when she comes to me to unload, yet if I DO say something to him, she is the first to call and say, "I really wish you wouldn't have done that." My relationship with my father is different than my sister's, for one because she is physically removed from the situation, being in Germany, but also because she has always had a different relationship with him. She can get away with saying things to him that no one else can.
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I feel myself moving into a role in my life that I am not ready for, nor do I want - caretaker to my parents. I don't want to have to discuss things like visits with doctors, or diagnoses, or when is the appropriate time to take one's car keys from them. I already have three toddlers - it is daunting to think that one day sooner rather than later I may have to take on a parental role to my parents.
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I would love to hear from anyone who has had similar experiences with their parents. Feel free to comment on this post if you feel comfortable doing so, or e-mailing me. I'm at a loss, and maybe because it is this particular time of year, I feel the weight of all of this bearing down on me more than ever.
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BlahBlah,
Shan

WWD: Thank You For Being A Friend

Feelin a lil nautical today. I love love love this outfit - got the navy jacket with red piping from Amy Bo Bamy at a thrift store, and was SO excited that it was big enough to wear ovah my new red sweater from you will never guess where....
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Wal Fart.

Tis true, tis truuuuue.

But my FAVORITE favorite part of the ensemble du jour? My new striped peacoat a la ModCloth. Just the other day a friend and I were chatting, and I mentioned to her there were about eleventy-five beeeelllion cute items on ModCloth, and 15 minutes later, I had an e-mail gift certificate from guess where?

Wal Fart.

Just kidding. ModCloth. So I used it to get this coat, which I J'ADORE.

Goes POYFECTLY with the rest of the ensemble, no?

Not only that, but I'm wearing some new coral lipgloss which I wasn't too sure about until I saw how it turned out in the photos.

Coral lips can be tricky - espesh since so many grannies like to wear it (the dry, matte kind) kind of smeared all around the outside of their lip line. I think this looks pretty good though. Or as Miley might say, PRETTY COOOOL.

Anyhoozle - ModCloth, if you're reading this, I would be HAPPY to pimp you out again if you want to send me some free stuff. Hey, I never claimed to have any pride...

More importantly, to ALL of my friends, thank you for everything you do. Your love and support mean the world to me.

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Coat: ModCloth
Jacket: Thrifted
Sweater: Wal Fart

Tee: Target

Pantalones: Express

Shoes: Vicky's Secret

Necklathe: F21

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Merci!
Shannan