MaryBeth Goodwin Designs

January 31, 2014
Art
A few good words can say so very much.  Weather they are words of encouragement,  inspiration, or maybe just a funny quote,  MaryBeth Goodwin Design has such a fun and colorful selection.  As you know I love a monogram and her shop is a monogram girl's dream. Her shop is not just for monogram lovers.  She recently added an entire selection of prints.   I picked out my favorite print from her shop and it fit perfectly in my lucite tray.   I love it! 



I rounded up a few of my favorite prints here and I think you will agree they are both colorful and fun! I don't bleed glitter, but I do love this print! And well..... well behaved woman rarely make history is so true!!!



 
MaryBeth is offering to my readers a 20% discount off anything in her Etsy shop this week.  Just use the code GET20percent at checkout!   That's the perfect reason to get yourself something monogramed, witty, and just plain cute!!  There really is something for everyone in her shop!  And If you don't see it, ask……. she will most likely get it made for you. 


I love how MaryBeth is active with her followers and is always asking your opinion on a design,and she frequently has specials she will post on Facebook or thru her instagram account.  Don't just take my word for it.  You should follow her on her social sites to  keep up with her new products and specials she offers. 

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/MaryBethGoodwinDesign
TWITTER: @MaryBethGoodwin
PINTEREST: http://www.pinterest.com/marybethdesign/
INSTAGRAM: designgirlmarybeth


Have a great weekend!  It's suppose to snow here again, but at least it's over a weekend!  What's your weekend look like? Got any big plans? 

Gem of the week

January 30, 2014
Three things I love about this gem of the week……….Pink!! Pom Poms!!  and Crazy chic!!


This will be a perfect addition to my family room love seat!  I love it! 

Color Blocking

January 29, 2014



Happy Wednesday!  Can you believe this is the last week of January?  I am amazed at how fast the month went by.  That can only mean spring is on step closer and I couldn't be happier. 

If you follow me on instagram then you saw that the sweet girls at Ampersand Design Studio sent me this print for my office.  I love Carrie and Morgan and they have such a fun and colorful shop.  When I first saw it in their studio I knew immediately I needed it for my office.  Be Present is something everyone needs reminding of on occasion!  

There are so many spring lines launching and this Karen Kane dress is one of them.  Love it! 

Did you see yesterdays post and my list of 50 by Fifty? Somewhere on the list is me making a carrot cake from scratch.  This cake stand will be perfect for that occasion. 

I really don't need to explain why these napkins are a favorite for me.  Hellooo? PInk and pink color block?  Oh yeah!! 

Linking up today and be sure to see what the girls are loving in color block! 



Linking up here too!

50 by Fifty

January 28, 2014
The big birthday is this year...50! 


Via
 I know, I know...it's just a number and I really am not that freaked out about it.  By far the hardest birthday for me was my 30th - complete and total freak out on that one.  I hated the idea of no longer being in my 20's; not being able to say "I'm in my 20's" was devastating at the time. My 40th, however, was a wonderful surprise party!  For my 50th. . . I may just be on vacation for it!!

Over the years, my style has changed tremendously and I certainly feel more confident than I did in my 30's. I have the daily struggle of balancing my life, working full time in the corporate world, and staying trendy.  What I love most about fashion is how throwing on a beautiful scarf, adding a pop of color with a handbag, or even something as simple as a leopard loafer can really make a difference in your day.  Boy, do I love making a statement with those differences!
 Scarf    Bag    Loafer  

I am always drawn to women who exude confidence and, like me, have life experiences which is why I love visiting blogs; seeing how others have styled themselves is experience at its finest!  I wish the creative resources of blogging, Pinterest and Instagram had been around when I was in my 30's.  I have no doubt that I would have been a 30 year old fashion blogger!  My first jobs in high school and college were in the clothing industry and my love of fashion is just as strong today.  The one thing that has changed, however, is I have a more sophisticated eye and, I think, a more refined taste.  I know what I like, what works and what simply is not for me.

Other things I have learned...
  • When you're younger, you think that when you get to 40 you'll be an old lady.  Ha, I know I did!  When you actually get to 40 you realize you still feel 20 years young. You have grown and you have learned to appreciate yourself and you've accepted your body and all of its many changes.
  • As my body began to change in my 40's, I had to reassess the way I was dressing. It was no longer as easy to wear the low rise jeans and the stiletto heels...but a mid rise and a great platform or wedge shoe can give a short girl like me the height I need.  
  • Now, you find that the current trends are ones you were on the first ride with.  I clearly remember high waisted jeans, bell bottoms (wide legs as they call them now) and tartan plaid. Knowing in advance whether it worked the first go around helps me to know if it's something I would be willing to try again.   For one thing, plaid is out for me - sorry, parochial schools ruined that for this girl!

  • I will admit, dressing myself in my late forties has been more of a challenge.  A phrase I use religiously is "age appropriate" and dressing that way can be challenging in a fashion world designed for either the young or the old.  What about us inbetweeners!!??  It seems the majority of my wardrobe is Ann Taylor.  I think Ann Taylor is great but I would love to have more options; I'm just not ready for Chico's or Talbots.    Suggestions are welcome!!
  • Life experiences and your steady view of the world - what a big plus!  You have confidence, your opinions are solid, and you showcase yourself with grace. Speaking of grace, you allow more grace to others and this, my friend, is a beautiful thing.  Realizing this, my life has become simpler and I find myself surrounded by a sense of calm that comforts me.


So, with all this being said, 50 will be great and this is my year!  My mantra for the year is #getitgirl and I intend to do just that!  I have a vision, dreams and a plan to make it happen.  My list of 50 by fifty is the perfect way to keep me on track and live life to the fullest!  I would love to see some of you make a list of your top goals to accomplish this year.  Maybe yours is 40 by forty, or 28 by twenty eight.  Whatever your numbers, let's make it happen!  Step one - write it down, acknowledge and affirm it!  Then share your list with me. . .I would love to see them!

Here is my list, in no particular order, 50 by Fifty!


1.   Attend  "Blog Shop" preferably in person Woohoo.... the best class ever!
2.   Visit Gayle, my bff She spent the long 4th weekend here during my staycation!
3.   Shop in the West Bottoms on First Fridays
4.   Finally have my Grandmothers barrel chair reupholstered
5.   Go on vacation in Naples  I sent Joe for three weeks and took a staycation... does that count? I think so!
6.   Complete the redesign and branding of my blog
7.   Completely redecorate my Master bedroom (Picking paint now) Almost finished
8.   Do something just for me...every week  Loving this one and so doing it every week!
9.   Lose 20 lbs.... 14 down, 6 to go.
10. Take a photography class
11. Girls road trip weekend
12. Invest in another designer bag
13. Clean out my closet (for real, deep clean what is never ever going to be worn again)
14. Take all the grand kids to the zoo Spent Mother's Day 2014 with them!!
15. Go to Dallas for the Weekend
16. Try Bangs... again!  Completed Feb 27 and I actually am enjoying them!
17. Take a yoga class  Woot!  The girls and I currently are in a class.
18. Make a weekly meal plan and follow it Working at it.. still needs a little work
19. Start a new linkup on my blog, Who wants to join?
20. Partner with more brands I love Working this one for sure!
21. Have a stay cation
22. Create a gallery wall (Already gathering the pieces) Completed and on the blog!
23. Take new professional blog head shots Done... but may take a few more.
24. Have my blog featured Thrilled this happened here and here .
25. Do a 5k
26. Visit a local winery
27. Create a will
28. Bake a carrot cake from scratch (my sis in laws mother's recipe I shared here) DONE!
29. Shop at the new Ikea... Opening in KC this fall
30. Try a new candle fragrance
31. Answer all emails timely  This is going well!
32. Transition from Vegetarian to Paleo..... this is a little scary Decided against this...
33. Pay for the persons coffee in line behind me
34. Write more handwritten notes and snail mail send them 
35. Try 3 new to me restaurants  One down , two down, there down!!
36. Try something new on the menu at my favorites places to eat (I'm a creature of habit) This was easier than I imagined!
37. Share words of affirmation with my kids every week for encouragement  Accomplishing this and starting to see the results of positive actions from them.
38. Attend Go Blog Social again (Here in KC this April) Missed it!  But not next year.
39. Bake gluten free treats
40. Host a party at my house
41. Attend my nieces wedding in Minneapolis... Tickets purchased!
42. Plant a vegetable garden
43. Take updated family photos with all my boys
44. Take my daughter in laws shopping at Nell Hills (The best shopping ever)
45. Surprise my mom with a visit
46. Eat the brown M&M's last (inside joke for those that know me) Gab forced me... but I did it.
47. Go to a concert  Amos Lee at the Uptown March 4th
48. See a Dermatologist Completed and so glad I went. 
49. Give up something other than cookies for lent. Completed!
50. Celebrate my birthday in style... it was grand!

I will update my list as the year goes by and share how it's going!  Don't forget to share your list with me!

Weekend Recap

January 27, 2014
Monday's keep getting crazier it seems!  Yesterday was a beautiful day with the temperatures reaching high of 60.  It was sunny and I opened a few windows.  But somewhere around 5 the temps began to drop drastically and the winds pick up to what seemed like a scene out of The Wizard of Oz.  I was in the middle of making dinner for the family and my lights flickered twice and off they went.  Nice.  Good thing dinner was ready to take out of the oven.  It came back on pretty quick, and we proceeded to prepare ourselves.  The lights went out a few more times as the wind howled around the house and what do you know it began to snow!  Crazy!!!!  

Somewhere over the course of the weekend (actually it happened Saturday morning) I picked up on healthy, solid, little boy (that would be my grandson) and my back just boycotted the whole thing.  I spend all of Sunday on a heating pad, and still on it today too! I hate being put out of commission and slowed down.  I had such a big list of things I wanted to accomplish too.  Hopefully I take care of it today and will be back on my feet tomorrow! 

To back up a little, I came home Friday to the most wonderful bouquet of tulips from ProFlowers.  30 of the prettiest pink red and white tulips.  They have been so pretty to watch open over the first three days and I am looking forward to enjoying them all week.  Thanks ProFlowers.  



Saturday I picked up some goodies for a few valentines DIY.  Sharing pics soon with these super cute decorations we made!  Super cute and easy too!  Can't wait to share how they turned out!! 



If you follow me on instagram  or Facebook them you already saw what a fabulous mail week it was at my house.  So many friends celebrating my blog anniversary with me and some super fabulous giveaways coming your way.  Get ready cuz we are gonna celebrate with some of my favorites!  #getitgirl!!! 


How was your weekend? 


Four Favorites - January

January 22, 2014


1  2  3  4
Happy Wednesday sweet friends!  I am so happy things are going so good this month with positive energy and great connections with friends!  We are 4 weeks into the new year and I have not lost one bit of momentum for my #getitgirl year!  Every time something has been thrown at me to slow me down or detour me off my path, I find a calm solution! 
 
As you can imagine this sweater is so fabulous and I love the color! Why yes I would love another leopard sweater!!  haha!
 
I am really getting into Valentines day early this year with all the hearts and sequins!  This little pouch is adorable!
 
For some time now I have been seeing these darling little initial bracelets and just love them.  I may have to help a few of my boys for V-day and head them to get these for the girls!!
 
Okay, so who doesn't love a great tote?  Gigi NY has come out with a little sis to the wonderful Teddy tote, Meet the Taylor and I want it!!
 
What are your four favorites this week? Come on, Link up!  
 


 
Linking up here too!
 

Spring Florals

January 21, 2014
I mentioned last week I am already dreaming of pastels. With the weather being so screwing for January it's no wonder.  I am dreaming of crisp mornings and mild afternoons.  With Valentines right around the corner and flowers season about to explode  ProFlowers has the prettiest tulips and a little tulip inspired mood board was in order.
Depending on wear you live and the climate, this would be a fun date outfit for valentines!  OR.....Imagine wearing this little dress and heels to Sunday brunch on Easter, then changing into this comfy pastel jeans and blouse for a round of hunting eggs! 

Of course pink and green! Right now ProFlowers is offering 25% off your order of flowers too!  I would love to receive an order of tulips for my home!  



Day look 

Blouse  Jeans  Espadrilles  Crossbody  Hoop Earrings 


Night Look

Dress  Pink Clutch  Pumps  Ring  Earrings


Now I just need spring to hurry up and get here!


Gem of the Week

January 16, 2014
One of my new post series for the year is going to be a sharing post of an item that is deemed a gem.  What is a gem you ask?  The dictionary had this to say about the word.

1gem

: something that is admired for its beauty or excellence

I couldn't agree more. These flats are fun and at an excellent price, and that's what makes them gem of the week! JCrew has an adorable flat just like these, but the price point is much higher! You could own two pairs of these for the price of one of theirs! You're welcome!



Via  

Ted Baker Sale

January 15, 2014
I know it is only January, and we still have the ugliest, coldest, and most depressing months of the year still to go thru.  The weather has been All. Over. The. Map. recently.  We had temps of -9 all the way to low 60's this past weekend and my windows open!  What the heck!!  I started thinking of spring and all its pastels. 
 Its a bit early for that, and there are still months of sweater weather ahead.  Ted Baker is having a fabulous sale and you will want to grab you some goodies at fab prices!  Because after all, who doesn't love a great sale?!






I really love these sale items!




You know you want to shop this sale, so get to shopping! 

January Favorites

January 14, 2014





Happy Wednesday lovelies! With the beginning of not only a new month, but a new year there are plenty of favorites right now.  My blog Anniversary was January 1st.  2 Years of blogging!  To say it has been a blessing is an understatement. I love a celebration, and I have something wonderful in the works to celebrate with you my Anniversary!  Coming off of the holidays, and given all that my 2013 held, I wanted to wait to really do it up right!  Stay tune, its gonna be fabulous! With that being said, its really is fun to work at my desk with all my new gold planners, datebooks, and journals.  Can you ever really have to many pretty gold accessories for you desk? 

I know it's still deep in the dreadful months of winter, but a pretty pink lip is just the right pick up needed to feel pretty.  I am longing for pink right now can you tell?  These flats are super cute, and I have always been a shantung silk fan.  These are fabulous and would go with everything from skinnys, to khaki shorts! Cutie patootie!  These shoes would definitely be a great splurge!  Which one of these four are your favorites?

Linking up with the girls.  Do you have four favorites to share this week?


Linking up here too!
 

Best Foot Forward

January 14, 2014

On my radar!  Who doesn't love an ankle strap?


1  2  3  4 


 I have seen colorful pumps with boyfriend jeans lately and think I may just pull the trigger on these babies!! What do you think?





 Via


Do you own a colorful pair of pumps you wear with your jeans?  I generally stick to the same boring black or brown, but really love this look!  Leave me a comment with your suggestions to which colors you would wear with your jeans.



Statement Necklace

January 10, 2014
So my first statement necklace was a success.  Accessory Mercado sent me this beautiful necklace to style, and it was a no brainer to add it to my leopard sweater.  I  received tons of compliments on it, and finally think I may be open to more statement necklaces.   I have to get use to bling around my neck, and maybe less on my wrist when making a statement with my necklace, but hey, I think this was a pretty fab outfit!  What do you think?  Maybe a little chambray shirt and leopard pumps next time with this gem! 


Necklace Accessory Mercado c/o ~ Bracelets Rustic Cuff c/o ~ Sweater Nordstrom ~ Leggings Target 

Accessory Mercado has so many fun pieces to choose from, honestly I 'm not sure which to get next, I love so many pieces!  I love the price point for a great costume piece too, which allows you to purchase more fun colors! Look out, I am about to start adding statement necklaces! 


Even thought these are pictures taken with my phone, I just had to share with you the back of the sweater.  It zips down the back with a leather placket.  Oh yea!! 


Four Favorites|Radiant Orchid

January 08, 2014
I'm not going to lie.  Radiant Orchid is not going to be a favorite for me this year.  I am allergic to purple.   Like anaphylactic shock kinda allergic.  (Okay, that is my flair for the dramatic) but you are getting my drift that it's not my color.  


I avoid hues, tints, shades, cousins of the color, and anything too awfully close on the color wheel to purple. Maybe I was scared as a child with the color, but for whatever the reason I do not like purple. I make no bones about it either! 

That doesn't mean I can't admire a touch of Radiant Orchid for you though!!  My four favorites this week are classy displays of the color, and while you wouldn't find me wearing it, I would definitely admire the hue on you!  Just keeping it real, and living authentic!! 



1 | 2 | 3 | 4


What are your four favorites this week?  Link up and share! 

 
Linking up here too!

Favorite 2013 outfits

January 07, 2014
I mentioned yesterday that I would never have even shared an outfit post had it not been for Erin, Sandy, and Meg!  Well here I am recapping my favorites from last year!  It really was fun seeing how many times I pose with my hand on my hip! 

Here's to another year of fun outfits! 
 
 
 

















This is my Year

January 06, 2014
Happy new year!  I have been taking a little break from blogging.  Honestly? Because it was pretty darn difficult getting to my office due to the fact there were 11 people in my home for the holidays. Yup, 11.  



Three grandsons, three sons, two DIL's and a friend.    My home was full of laughter, games, big meals, wine, tons of toys, a few battles, (mostly between the two littlest grandsons)  but we survived, and I am slowly getting back to a routine.  I haven't worked a full week of work in almost a month, so this week may seem like eternity to me!!!  



2013 was by far a terribly trying year for me.  I wanted it to end.  End, go away, and never to repeat itself.  There was the cancer diagnosis for my Mother, the ever trying antics of my youngest, (who by the way, will be 18 in two months, he reminds me daily).  There was worrying for my 21 year old and his family struggling to get on their feet and learn a few life lessons along the way, and they lived with me for the last three months!  ugh! I don't want to dwell on the year, but learn lessons from it, and move positively forward.


   

2014 will be my year.  I know it!  How? Because I have a plan.  My year to travel more, be more present, and getting back to being more spontaneous.  I will put more faith into what god puts in front of me, and know there is a plan he has for me too.  My blog anniversary was January 1st.  2 years! 2 wonderful and so rewarding years.  I have learned so much on this journey, and I am ever so grateful for everyone that has been on this journey with me.  I have made wonderful friendships with fabulous ladies around the country that I could never have imagined with this blog. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  You really do mean a lot to me, and I love not only what I share with you, but what you share with me.  I never imagined I would share my outfits with you, but with a little help from a few local blogger friends I did, and you all loved it.  It's not hard to look fabulous in a $500 dress with $900 shoes and a $2000+ handbag, but thats not reality.  At least not my reality!!!  It does however take some stylish thinking, and a few mixing and matching to pull together an outfit to fit your work environment and age. Thats what I hope to bring you more of this year.

That has been one of the challenges I have come across recently, dressing age appropriate but still very trendy and stylish. I'm not willing to shop Chico's,  and Forever 21  has never been on my list. That is my real life.  

I hope you know that this blog is a very edited, a tiny sliver of my life.  Not all my friends even know I have a blog. 

I hope you know that most blogs are heavily edited.

I hope you know that a portion of the hard, painful moments in my life involve people that I love. I don't share those things here because I want to protect them, not because my life doesn't have those moments. 

I think its very misleading when bloggers post perfect pictures of their apartments, or life, and expect others to relate to them.  Real life means real pictures.  I am not the best at dressing my coffee table or prepping a photo shoot, I want to be realistic to my life.  I don't shop for flowers every week, rather monthly I like a fresh bouquet for the house.  And it would be totally a style shoot to dress my coffee table.  I live with all boys remember? 

Sometimes I don't get dressed until 2pm on the weekends.

I hope you know that blogging about your life takes more than it appears to take. All those good, wonderful moments that are fun to capture and share, well those take time and forethought and editing.  I rarely instagram in the moment. Truth? Because I would  need to get readers out just to see what I was typing and sending.  

I hope you know that I am a single working mother.  I am happily single in a committed relationship. 

I hope you know that every relationship takes its fair share of work and has its fair share of arguments. I am in a passionate relationship.  Something I thought might never happen after a failed marriage, and a string of crazy, stalking, hilariously fun boyfriends, with a man I'm crazy about, who loves me more than I ever thought one person could. And we totally fight. About important things and not so important stuff too.  I once was told by a wise friend that when you loose the will to fight in a relationship, the relationship isn't worth fighting for.  We fight, and I 'm OK with it!  

I hope you know that everyone who blogs is normal. And it's not all pretty pictures and roses, and what little consequence clothes actually are in the meaning of life.

I hope you don't compare real life to an edited one.  

I hope you know how much I appreciate you. 

I want to celebrate with you and have collaborated with some of my favorite people and companies to bring you some amazing giveaways in the coming months!  I have some changes to the blog coming soon too, a few design changes, and a new series.  So get excited, I am!! 


Lets do this 2014!!


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