Teach them well!

Hello Blogland!!!  We are having a dreary rainy day here in MD!!!

I asked for and received cash for my birthday so I could do some serious thrifting. Today I hit up all four of the thrifts here in Frederick (3 Goodwill, 1 Salvation Army) on the way home. I spent a total of 36.50 and still have money left!!

The coolest part was, since I’m a “regular”, the staff recognizes me. I was in the Goodwill Last Chance Outlet and one of the ladies I know ( I’ll call her Ms. Sue)asked if what I was wearing today was thrifted. I told her everything but my underwear and shoes!

There were these two young girls–maybe 18-20 going thru the racks near-by.  Ms. Sue pointed me out to them and told them my outfit was thrifted. The girls came over and complimented me on it. They told me it was their first time in a Goodwill.  I gave them some pointers on how to shop–like look at EVERYTHING one size up from your regular and one size down at least. I told them how I’ve found brand new items with the tags on and name brand stuff for next to nothing. I also said since they were “regular sized” they would have far more choices.

Then I showed them what was in my cart. I had a croc Tommy Hilfger purse, a Fossil purse, a tan poplin Old Navy blazer, an aqua cotton knit Lands End cardigan, a CJBanks red with white polka dots cardigan, and a black with white stripes Liz Claiborne cotton sweater. Total coast: $26

They were amazed and when I was checking out they were loading up a cart excitedly with stuff to try on! Think I made some converts there!!

I also picked up at the other thrifts the following: A brand new Vera Wang LS Tshirt, a quilted floral Alfred Dunner jacket,  a green gingham Liz Claiborne blouse, a pair of Danelle leather sandals and a Luvali purse. This purse is really COOL. It kiwi green and brown paisley–but you can zip the cover off and reverse it to a kiwi, tan & brown stripe. It will be great for Spring and Summer!!

Today I gravitated back to my valentine’s day’s outfits colors–red and brown. There is a tiny red stripe in the plaid of the pants.  I managed to dump yogurt down my front today so I’m not sure if the stain will come out of my top. Oh well it was only $1.50.

Top-White Stag via Goodwill, Pants-Geoge via Goodwill, Vest-thrifted

Note my “angelic” pose with my egg-lo!!!

Y’all have a wonderful evening!!

Tamera

Tuesday cute!!

Hello Blogland!!! Gonna be a short post tonite cuz its soon for my time with my TV boyfriend AND American Idol!!!

I was asked to post a close-up of the jacket I wore Sunday. It’s a kinda 50′s retro print.

I was kind of low-key today–just got over the stomache bug!

Blouse-Notations via Goodwill, Jeans-Mossimo via Goodwill, Vest--I think it's from the Goodwill. I have a brown one and one is Dressbarn, the other thrifted. BELT-thrifted.

I got this necklace (with earrings) at Burlington Coat Factory for $3.99. They have the best jewelry and great prices!

Well, off for some TV time!

TTFN

Tamera

 

Autumn colors on the cheap!!!

Hello Blogland!!! Hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday!!! I stopped into the Goodwill in town after church as usual (I seem to be a regular there on Sunday afternoons–the staff recognizes me!!) Scored some more goodies I’ll be sharing in the next weeks. It’s so much FUN to come home with 2 bags FULL of clothes for under $15!! Who needs the mall??? I got a pair of Lane Bryant navy & white pinstripe trousers, a pair of never-worn Cabin Creek red wedge sandals, a white Apostrophe 3/4 sleeve blouse, A dark red & white striped Jones New York long sleeve tshirt, a butter yellow White Stag 3/4 sleeve tshirt, a celery & white striped Venezia 3/4 sleeve Tshirt, a black with white pin dots slinky knit tank top and best of all a stunning Harve Bernard teal and kiwi green printed linen tunic blouse.

Our resident doggie fashionista is sporting a new outfit today (Ross is the best for dog couture on the cheap) It’s a little hoodie that says “Royal Diva Society” “Cutie Club”  I had a hard time getting her to hold still–she kept prancing around!

It's all about ME!!!!

My outfit was 100% thrifted–even the shoes!! The total cost was $14. Got loads of compliments both at church and in the thrift store. One lady commented she didn’t realize you could dress so stylish from the Goodwill. I encouraged her that you just have to be willing to LOOK at everything to see the potential. Heaven knows I am sporting brands I’ve never worn or considered in the past.

Jacket-CJBanks, Tshirt-Jones New York, Pants-DressBarn, Shoes-Bandolino, Purse-Vintage Everything is from the Goodwill

Wow-it looks like I’m sporting some kind of weird bird egg halo in this picture-LOLOL!!

Thrifted Jewelry--the ivory one is carved bone roses

I’ll be linking up as usual with Patti for Visible Monday #35. and Monday Mingle!

I hope everyone has a wonderful evening!! Anyone watching the Oscars?? Considering I haven’t seen any of the movies nominated I may just watch the Red Carpet. It amazes me how these celebrities with all that money and stylists can look so AWFUL!!!

TTFN

Tamer

Maybe I need therapy?

Hello Blogland!! How is everyone this lovely Saturday??? The wind is blowing like crazy here in Maryland. I think March’s “in like a lion” is a few days early!!

Yesterday I spent the day taking down all the snowmen and Valentine’s day decoration (I decorate for every season/holiday) and putting out the Spring/St. Pats day stuff. I found several boxes of those little yellow puffy chicks I brought last year on sale for a nickel a box. I have no clue what exactly I was planning on doing with them!!  I found the little chicken feeder I used to keep M&MS in and I thought–why not chicks???  The hubster just stared at it and shook his head. LOL-he just doesn’t get the irony–it’s a “chick feeder”.

What do you all think?? Cute or I need therapy??

Last nite the hubster and I went out to Red Lobster  for my birthday.  Did not exactly follow my diet so I am being super good the rest of the weekend. Truthfully, I am so used to not eating such rich stuff that it kinda upset my tummy a bit.

I broke out my Matt & Nat/Montreal purse again! According to Sheila of Ephemera I definitely got a fantastic deal for $4!!

Sweater-Lane Bryant via Goodwill, Blouse-Merona via Goodwill, Jeans-Lee Rider via Walmart, Shoes-Comfortview, Purse-Matt&Nat via Goodwill

Notice the peeping tom snowman picture is gone-LOL. After looking at my “chick feeder” I have to say those little beady black eyes are kind of CREEPY.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!!

TTFN

Tamera

Pink on my birthday!!

Hello Blogland!! How is everyone this fine evening?? Today is my birthday and I am not ashamed to say I am 53 years YOUNG!!!  The hubster has classes tonite so we are celebrating tomorrow nite.

Gonna be a quick post–since the weather has turned so warm and spring-like I decided to break out my pink loafers. I got these last month at the Goodwill for I think $4. They are Liz Claiborne and were never worn. I got compliments from EVERYONE at work today–even the guys!!

Jacket-Thrifted, Lee Rider Pink Gingham shirt-Goodwill, Jean-Westport, Scarf-Goodwill, SHOES-LizClaiborne

Everyone have a wonderful evening!!

TTFN

Tamera

Cherries on top!!

Hello Blogland!! Happy Washington’s Birthday!! (For those of us who remember when his and lincoln’s were celebrated separately!!) Hope everyone is having a wonderful week. I sure am glad it’s “hump day”!! I have been sp busy at work and I am plum tuckered out when I get home!

In celebration of Geo. Washington I pulled out this cute purse with cherries on it for today. Got quite a few compliments, too.  Todays outfit (minus underclothes, shoes and earrings) cost all of $13 thrifted!!!

Pants-Lane Bryant, Blouse-Notations, Sweater-George, Scarf-Vintage Echo, Shoes-Comfortview

Here’s a close-up of the purse:

I made a great score at the Goodwill yesterday!! Got an adorable rust/brown/gold print CJBanks jacket for $3 and a red bandana print denim Charter Club jacket for $4!!! Watch for them in the next couple of weeks.

Well–off to pack my lunch for tomorrow and watch American Idol. Y’all have a great evening!

TTFN

Tamera

Happy Presidents Day!!!

Hello Blogland!! Hope everyone is having a wonderful Monday!!! I know I am because I am off work!!

I’m baking poundcakes for the outreach, doing some alterations and starting to pack up the winter decor. I kinda decorate for each season/holiday and it’s time to put away the snowmen and wintery things and bring out the SPRING stuff!!! We really didn’t have a winter here in Maryland so I am ready for Spring to come!!

Do you find certain brands/lines are a guarantee to fit and look good on you?? I’m finding in my thrifting travels that Jones New York, St. John’s Bay, CJBanks and a few others always fit well and are of good quality. These weren’t brands I typically brought in the past. My horizons are certainly being opened!  What brands work for you??

Yesterday’s outfit for church was 100% thrifted-even my purse. I don’t count underclothes or shoes (I wear a 9 wide which makes thrifting shoes very difficult) in my percentages.  I had loads of compliments and my friends were shocked to hear the outfit, including the purse, was only $16!!!!

Sundays Outfit- Sweater is Ann Taylor Loft, Top is St. Johns Bay, Pants are Lane Bryant

I am linking up the adorable Patti for Visible Monday and Monday Mingle today!!

Did anyone else LOVE last nights Downton Abbey??? I can’t WAIT for series 3 in the fall!!!

TTFN

Tamera

 

I’m Pasty and Proud!!!

Hello Blogland!! How is everyone this beautiful Sunday!!!!

Dear Readers-don’t worry!!! I only went to the tanning salon for less than a month. I am going to try the suggestion of the Jergens self tanner on my legs. I’ll start practicing now while they are covered so I’ll look cute for our daughters wedding in May. Three months from tomorrow!!! Gearing up into crazy time!

Miss Kae decided to rock her alpine look this week:

Look how cute she is with her tongue sticking out!

I’m going to catch up with some outfits from the last couple of days!!  When male engineers notice how cute you look,  you are on the right track!!

Thursday's Outfit- 75% Thrifted! T-shirt is Jones New York--love this brand for its quality and fit!

Friday's Outfit-75% Thrifted. The jacket is a taupe & cream snake print denim. The blouse is Izod. The necklace is vintage.

Saturday's Outfit-100% Thrifted. The shoes are brand-new Clarks ($3). The purse is a Mat & Nate Montreal--love the color!

Clarks wedge-heel Maryjanes--thrifted for $3 and never worn!!

I am so glad I am off tomorrow after the crazy that was last week!!! I’m going to be baking 10 loaves of chocolate chip pound cake for our church’s street outreach this week and getting some more alterations done.

Oh yeah–weight loss update–down another 2.2 lbs for a total of 32.6 since Thanksgiving!! WOO HOO!!

Tonite is the Christmas Special/Season finale of Downton Abbey. Anyone else been watching? The clothes are just oo fabulous for words!

Everyone have a wonderful evening!

TTFN

Tamera

 

Tan Lines

 

 Hello Blogland!

Quick disclaimer there are no photos with this post because I didn’t want to traumatize any small children…or animals….or anyone with working eyeballs.

 Last fall I decided that I am tired of having my pasty white legs on display during the summer months. Now don’t get scared–I expose NOTHING above the knees in public. There are some things that are not meant for poh-lite society–like my thighs and butt.

 When I say pasty white–I’m talking glowing white. The underbelly of a frog white.  Transparent. I make the vampires in the movie Twilight look positively bronze in comparison. I needed me some color!!

 I had experimented with those self-tanners a few years ago and I gotta say–orange streaks & white legs isn’t a good look. My palms however were an awesome shade of Oompah-Loompah orange!!

 So off Tamera goes to check out Tanning salons.

 I arranged a visit at one locally. It looks nice from the outside but once you got inside…..CREE-PEE.

There was no one there but this other lady who was touring the facility and this man-the owner? A very sketchy looking older man with a waist length grey pony-tail, mangy Hawaiian shirt, shifty eyes and a mustache straight from a 70′s porn movie (not that I’ve ever SEEN a 70′s porn movie IRL) This dude was WAY too enthusiastic about the salon and showing us the booths. There wasn’t another soul there. This was at a prime time–right after work. After the tour, the other lady and I conferred in the parking lot and came to the same conclusion–there was NO way we’d ever tan there–this guy probably had a hidden camera in the room to watch us. You really wanted to go home and shower after being in there.

 So, after touring a couple others I settled on a salon. I signed up for a 30 day unlimited special. I went for my first session. Keep in mind I have never been in a tanning booth or bed. The nice lady showed me the booth, the controls and explained what I was to do.

 Now, for the uniniated among us–typically you tan in one of these nude. Nekkid. Birthday Clothes. Naked as a jaybird. You have complete privacy and it eliminates the tan lines. Won’t this be cool???

 Well–as a newbie I was programmed for 4 minutes in a lower powered booth. They gave me these stickers for my eyes (what a weird sensation that was!!), I stripped off my clothes and pushed the button. Hey, this wasn’t bad–much better then laying out in the sun and sweating like a pig!! This was so easy–I’m gonna be toasty brown by next summer!!

 A few hours later my bubble burst.

 Although I was only in a minimum time, the areas of my body that have NEVER seen sunlight BURNT– I’m an attractive shade of red in some places!! I’m gonna cover up some the next time–cuz SERIOUSLY who is going to see my nicely tanned tummy??? My hubby and he’s not really too interested in what color it is.

 Second–those nifty little handles up by the ceiling for your hands?? I thought you could hold them if you were claustrophobic or something. Well– keeping your arms down by your sides leaves nice white STRIPES!!!

 And you will get tan lines–if it bags,sags, or has rolls it ain’t gonna tan underneath it.  You’ll know EXACTLY what I’m saying if you read my post on bra-shopping.

 I went 2-3 days a week for a month.  I achieved the highly attractive burnt, peeling or pasty white look.  No toasty brown skin to be seen anywhere. My legs are still whiter then white after all this.  I didn’t sign up for another month.

 My life–it’s always an adventure and usually a comedy!!

TTFN

Tamera

 

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Hello Blogland!! Happy Valentine’s Day to all!! Quick post before I spend some time with my hubby!

The hubster surprised me at work first thing this morning with a cup of Dunkin iced coffee (we work in the same place).  I was meeting with the guys from the Dept. of Energy before we started our tour of the buildings when he brought it to me and wished me a Happy Valentine’s Day. The guys all looked at me funny! I told them that it wasn’t some random dude bringing me coffee but that was my husband. LOLOL.  He also had a gorgeous bouquet of flowers waiting on my desk when I got back into the office this afternoon. I am truly blessed!!

I tried to get a picture of Miss KaeKae in her Valentine’s outfit but she just refused to look at the camera. Such is the life of a diva!! She was in a “mood”.

Here she is modeling her outfit!

Pink and red on the catwalk:

Pants: Brown glen plaid with a stripe of red via Goodwill

Tshirt via One Stop Plus.com. It’s now too big so will need altering!

Cardigan via Dressbarn

Brown croc belt via Thift Store. Belts 2 days in a row!!! I used it to help make the tshirt fit a bit better

Shoes: brown Predictions via Payless

Scarf via ACMoore Crafts

Pin via Goodwill

Pink Purse via Goodwill

I’m linking up with the Every Body Every Wear Pink & Red Challenge!

Hope everyone has a wonderful evening!

TTFN

Tamera