We are all moved in!!!

Come on by and see our new digs!!!

Click below!!!!

 

The Menopausal Supermodel

 

Packin’ Up the Boxes….

 

Gracie touring the Antietam Battlefield

 

Hiya Blogland!! We are having a GLORIOUS end of the week weather-wise here in Western Maryland. Cools temps and LOW humidity! Miss Gracie and I are planning several walks.

This will be my last official post at this site. On Sunday I’m moving over to my new Blogspot site. It has been SO much easier getting it to look like I want it to. I still need to add some buttons and all but it’s ready to go!

Just change out your link to this:

http://menopausalsupermodel.blogspot.com

As I’ve been cleaning up the old digs I found a few pix of WEIRD foods I just had to share!!

This just turns my stomach

1. BACON Soda??
2. Possum in a can–yum!
3. Poptarts and vodka-really?

I have no words for ANY of these….

1. Snake soup just gives me chills
2. Camel balls??
3. Chicken and chocolate–a match made in vomit!

1. Hilarious!!
2. And some folk think caviar is gross…
3. Snickers in tomato sauce-’nuff said.

Now if you’re all back from barfing your guts out just imagining this stuff-here’s some outfit pix!!!

This week Jane at Flight Platform Living’s Shiny T Tuesday challenge prompt is “Undeniably ME”.  I think in the last year, through LOTs of thrifting and rethrifting I’m closer to what is ME than ever before!! I chose an outfit with a flowy hippy maxi skirt, comfortable top, bangles, cool shoes and in TECHNICOLOR as my submission! The top, skirt, bangles, and shoes are all thrifted.

Anne of Spy Girls 52 Pick-Me-Up challenge prompt this week is “Feet First”. You start with your shoes and make an outfit. I decided I wanted to wear my awesome Amerimark leopard sandals. I pulled out my leopard belt and bangle (I NEED leopard earrings!!) and started rummaging around the closet. I settled on the top and almost wore my black maxi until the shoes connected with the taupey JJill skirt. Added some more bangles and gold hoop earrings and away I go!!! The top, skirt and bangles are all thrifted.

I decided I wanted to wear my cheery DIY strawberry and roses skirt this week. I almost paired it with a pale pink T until I saw how this red T is so close to the warm red in the print. Popped on my denim vest, some bangles and my white flower sandals. I felt very summery! The vest came off later in the day as I need to make an armhole adjustement-it kept sliding over so my boob hung out the armhole-not an attractive look!!

Today I decided for COMFORT!! Pulled out a maxi dress(retail at like 90% discount!), popped on a thrifted cardigan and bangles and away I went. The maxi comes in handy to keep my legs warm in my office!

Everyone have an absolutely FABULOUS and productive weekend!! I’ll be back on Sunday at the new digs!! I’ll see you there!! I will be making a redirect post on the old blog sending everyone to the new place!!

TTFN

Tamera

The Wayback Machine spits me out….

Hiya Blogland!!  The picture above is me at 15 months in June 1960! Everyone having a wonderful weekend?? It’s finally cooling down a bit from hotter than the surface of the sun to just ridiculous!! Due to the miserable heat I’ve spent most of the weekend indoors knocking out some projects off my to-do list!!

I explored the joys of jello and, after procuring some vegetarian gelatin powder, tried my hand at glistening molded confections.  I finally tried out a tomato aspic recipe from “Joy of Cooking” and an avocado molded salad from the same. Behold the final products:

wiggly jiggly deights!

I left them in the warm water a bit long before I unmolded them so they were a bit runny. I topped them with a tad of fat-free Vegan mayo. They were DELICIOUS!!! The tomato one had a tablespoon of onion, cucumber and celery mixed in. Next time (and there will be a next time) I’m going to add a bit if cider vinegar for some “bite”. The avocado mold had celery, onion, cucumber and red pepper mixed in. I’m going to try it with some salsa mixed in next-like a guacamole jello!!

I also FINALLY put the contact paper on the tops of my worktables in The Craft Palace. The tables came from Lauren’s old workplace and were beat. I had been covering them with vinyl tablecloths that made me crazy (not that making me crazy isn’t EASY to do). Now they are neater and easier to work on. Of course I had to rearrange a bit!

I also spent some time organizing photos. I dug out some of what remains of ME from the 70’s. Most of the photos from that era and early 80’s were destroyed in a basement flood. The Wayback Machine spit out stuff that hasn’t seen the light of day in maybe 35-30 years!! What I want to know is when did I get so old??

1. School picture fall 1974 at age 15.
2. Riding in the back of pic-up summer 1978 at age 19.
3. Outside Smithsonian spring 1979 at age 20.

1. Winter 1978 age 19.
2. Formal picture taken to make mom happy spring 1979 age 20.
3. Taken in friend’s room winter 1978 age 19.

Bridesmaid-May 1977
I’m in the green dress

The bridesmaid dress from hell. It came in late and too big. I took up the shoulders and gathered it in with the sash in the back.

1. Christmas 1986-I’m 27 and Julie is 6 months old! This was my attempt at dark brown hair.
2. Fall 1987-going to my 10 year high school reunion. I’m 28. Back to more natural reddish-brown hair.

I can’t believe I’m posting the next picture on the INTERNET!! Evidence that I owned and wore a bathing suit in public. This was taken at a Mommy & Me swim class in January 1987. I’m a month shy of 28 and Julie is 7 months old.

I’m linking my very visible past self up with Patti for Visible Monday!! Check out all of the finest ladies in one place!!

Next Sunday I’ll be all moved into the new site at BlogSpot. Still go a bit of decorating and dusting to go!! I’ll be putting up the new link when I post on Thursday!!

Everyone have a fabulous rest of the weekend!!

TTFN

Tamera

The Joy of Jello

Hiya Blogland!! Everyone having a wonderful week?? We are MELTING here in Western Maryland!! As are our friends in Britain!!  It’s been in the 90’s with the humidity in the 90’s also giving us heat indexes of 105-115. RIDICULOUS!! We’ve been spending our time indoors as much as possible trying to stay cool!

I picked up some vintage molds this weekend and had a wild hair this week to make some tomato aspic as a nice cooling salad. Off I went delving into my vintage cookbooks!! Wow did the past generations LOVE their molded and congealed salads!! There are some truly tragic concoctions out there. I adore the lurid colors and such in the old ads and recipes. I just had to share some of these lovely dishes with you. Get out your Pepto-bismal!!

1. I’d be put off my feed if I was presented that pink mess.
2. Three words: Potato. Salad. Jello

Well they LOOK pretty!!

Cabbage in jello??

1. The curdled stuff in the bottom layer is rather..gross.
2. Tuna and Jello are 2 words that should not be in the same sentence.

1. I feel like it’s LOOKING at me!
2. Corn and Lime Jello are a taste made in ….somewhere disturbing!

Wow-at one time they made CELERY flavored Jello!!

Fish Jello
:::::::shudder:::::::::::::::

Hey I can make these in my molds!!

1. Now this is close to what I had in mind.
2. Beets..Horseradish…Jello. Just NO!!

This first outfit is my outfit for Jane@Flight Platform Living’s  Shiny T Tuesday. This weeks theme is ____________ on ______________. As miserable hot as it’s been I was considering “Clothes ON Body”!!!  however, I pulled out a fav maxi. I’m going with “Bright Beading ON Tribal Print”. This maxi was a bargain for under $20 at Walmart. Add a couple of thrifted bangles and some thongs and I’m good to go!

This week Anne of Spy Girl’s 52 Pick-me-up Challenge is Go with the Flow. Considering our weather I’ve only wanted to wear loose, drapey, flowy stuff!!!  I designed made this maxi dress from this awesome cotton knit fabric I got on clearance. I love how painterly and abstract the print is–and the colors are just so cool!!  It was easy and breezy to wear–just added some black hoops, thrifted bangles and black sandals! And I’ve been photobombed again!!

 

This outfit could also go with SpyGirls Challenge. The thrifted skirt is swirly and flowy and the top has nice drapy ruffles that hide stuff. Again I just added some thrifted bangles and a pin I made. I kept cool and comfortable all day! Gracie had a toy cat mouse she was trying to get me to play with her with.

I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!!! I’ve got indoor activities planned due to the heat (Fibro makes me super-sensitive to heat) Got 2 dresses to finish up and some tomato aspic to make! I’ll be back Sunday to share some really weird food products!

TTFN

Tamera

Silver and Pink…

Hiya Blogland!!! Everyone having a wonderful weekend?? I’ve been taking advantage of a couple of cooler less humid days before it becomes miserable again by spending time outdoors!!  Lots of gardening-I put up 6 quarts of green beans and need to pick again tonite!! Still waiting on the tomatoes!!

Gracie and I took a trip to another section of the C&O Canal Towpath for a long walk. This area is known as the Big Slackwater. The dam#4 on the Potomac makes a 12 mile long “lake” on the river that is popular with boaters and such. At this point on the canal the boats would go out into the river for a bit as it was “still”. They’d travel a few miles like this before going back into the canal as the river was too rough.  The canal has a bit of water in it at this pint.

Dam #4 and the Big Slackwater

Gracie on the “promenade” portion of the towpath.
The old towpath along the canal–lots of cranes and turtles here.

We met up with a six-foot long black snake (harmless) and Gracie was very curious–from behind my legs!! The old towpath is kept mowed–but most people travel the upper towpath closer to the river.

In other some-what exciting news-I will be migrating the blog over to BlogSpot the end of the month. WordPress is making me crazy–very little design flexibility unless I pay extra. BlogSpot allows me the flexibility for free and it’s much EASIER to use!! There will be notice here when it takes place. Same Menopausel Supermodel–fancier digs!!

Friday I had to go to town for some errands and a haircut. I decided to dress a little “nicer” and I’m glad–it’s just as easy but I felt FABULOUS!! The thrifts were a wash essentially. Here I am pre-haircut:

Maxi-Retail, Purse/Thrifted

My hair is now all-natural silver grey–well except for the bright pink in front!!  This outfit looks familiar as it’s a play on what I wore Thursday!!

Silver and PINK!!

I get a lot of positive feedback on the hair from ladies of a certain age and the teens!! I tell em-GO FOR IT!!! Life’s too short to be boring!

I’m linking up with Patti for Visible Monday!!! I’m off to pick more green beans and hopefully later I’ll catch up with everyone!! Have a wonderful day!

TTFN

Tamera

 

Squares and Florals and Shoes…..

Hiya Blogland!!! How is everyone’s week going so far?? It’s still jungle-humid and miserable here in Western Maryland. My garden is starting to explode with bounty–cukes and summer squash out the yazoo, Swiss Chard like crazy and tonite I’m picking the first green beans. I’ll soon have tomatoes and carrots. We’ve been feasting on the bounty!!

I’ve decided with summer and all I’m going to change up my posting schedule to Sundays and Thursdays starting this week.

I’ll be finishing up this week with our flashback to the fabulous Seventies!! Today we’ll check out some of the icons of the era!

Susan Dey (Laurie-Partridge Family) and Maureen McCormick (Marcia-Brady Bunch) were style icons to teenage girls in the early 70’s.

Flip Wilson, David Cassidy & Donnie Osmond, Marcia & Peter Brady, Bailey & Jennifer of WKRP, Burt Reynolds, Barry Manilow, Valerie Bertinelli, Mary Tyler Moore, Archie & Edith

The Jackson 5, The Osmonds, Stevie Nicks & Lindsey Buckingham, Sonny, Cher & Farah, FREDDY!!

Who can forget Charlie’s Angels?

Cher & Michael Jackson, Sly Stone, Elton, Mork & Mindy, Lee Majors & Farah, Peter Frampton, Donny & Marie, BeeGees

ABBA, Chico & the Man, Suzanne Somers, Starskey & Hutch, CHIPS, The Jeffesons, Welcome Back Kotter, Randy Mantooth-Emergency (Hubba Hubba-crush!), Ali McGraw

Dancing to American Bandstand & Soul Train!!!

Movies of the 70’s-Jaws and Grease

Recognize these commercial stars of the 70’s??

TV Cheese of the Seventies!!

Now that I’ve jogged your memories-on to the fashion!!! This week I’m participating in two different theme/challenges!!!  And somehow I’ve managed to incorporate both themes into both outfits-totally randomly!

First up-Monday’s outfit is for SpyGirl’s 52 Pick-me-up Challenge: Floral Bouquet. Oddly enough I don’t have many florals in my wardrobe. Those I have tend to be abstract or bold/modern. I chose this graphic print skirt I made with a simple T–which happens to have a Square neckline that fit’s the other theme this week!!

Top-Thrifted, Skirt-DIY, Shoes-Amerimark, Photobomber-Adorable!

Tuesday’s outfit is for Flight Platform Livings Shiny T Tuesday: Squares theme. I pulled out my thrifted gingham capris and mixed it with a floral graphic top I thrifted (see–also goes with Floral Challenge Theme!!). I guess I’m theme multi-tasking!!

Top&capris-thrifted, Shoe-Skecher/Retail

Here’s a close-up of Tuesday’s bling-I managed to hit both themes with it!!

Buttonflower-Gift from MeganMae, Earrings-Vintage

Wednesday’s outfit is a DIY. I found this awesome tie-dye knit fabric in the clearance bin. It was just enough to make a maxi dress from an old top pattern I modified.

Dress-DIY, Shoes-Amerimark, Bangles-Thrifted

Thursday’s outfit is a look I like to do often. I  need more swishy swoopy maxi-skirts in my life!!

Skirt-JJill/Thrifted, top-Retail, Shoes-WhiteMountain/Retail

Here’s a closer look at Thursday’s bling. The earrings were originally buttons from my Great-grandmother’s stash. She saved them off a dress in the 1930’s!!

Bracelet-DIY, Bangle-Thrifted, Necklace=DIY from broken pin, Earrings-DIY

And I can’t forget that this week it’s Shoe Shine Wednesday at Citizen Rosebud!! I’m sharing the fantastic Skecher On-the-Go ballerina flats I scored this spring for like 80% off retail. These shoes are so light and comfortable you don’t know you have them on!! Plus–holographic sequined toe caps? How can you lose?

I’m off to do some bean picking and some sewing-I’m working on a couple of new dresses!! Everyone have a fantastic weekend and I’ll be back Sunday with the final round-up of Seventie’s Fabulousnesss!!

TTFN

Tamera

She Empties a Tavern……

Hiya Blogland!! Has everyone had a wonderful weekend?? I’ve been spending my four-day weekend puttering around the house re-organizing The Craft Palace and purging some of my stash. I know a few folk who’d love some new-to-them craft supplies.  Other than a quick trip to the Post Office and visiting the in-laws farm I’ve been no-where at all-and this is the first I’ve been on the computer since Thursday evening! It has been quite liberating!!

Thursday we took the Diva-ette Gracie to visit my in-laws farm(pic at top of page). She enjoyed meeting Lauren’s parents and brother (she is quite the social butterfly). Since it would be dirty she’s wearing a red & white star bandana I made her. She enjoyed all of the sights and smells!! Here are some pictures:

My in-laws raise organic black Angus beef. They live near-by and rent the farm-house out. Lauren’s dad was born here. The farm is not far from the Appalachian Trail and Camp David.

Miss Busy exploring. She was quite taken with the HUGE fresh cow-patty!!

Gracie and I have been taking a walk about town around dusk every evening. It’s been too hot and humid to go any earlier!! We’ve been meeting all of the doggies in town. She’s made friends with another Chihuahua named Tinkerbelle-we have to stop and play if Tinkerbelle is out! She’s also accumulating quite the boy doggie fan-club!! We visit with Toby the Rat-terrier, Harley the Pom, Jasper the Min-pin and several other dogs.  We’ve visited with Yorkies, Pugs, Chows, Dalmations, and various mutts. The town has these paved alleys that are nice to walk and border people’s back yards. We also visit with two adorable friendly barn kittens  who’ll come out and play when we call them.

Saturday Nite I put her patriotic outfit on (she has made a sensation around town wearing it!) for our walk. We were passing the local dive tavern and were stopped by this couple standing outside who exclaimed over how cute she is. I held her to be petted and the next thing we know half of the bar had emptied out on the sidewalk to admire her. It was a great opportunity to give a shout-out to pet rescues and adoption!!!  She is definitely on her way to being a full-fledged Diva! She loves wearing clothes!

Since I haven’t worn anything the last few days fit for the internet (seriously) I’m posting a picture of Miss Gracie-rose modeling a sunny yellow sundress by SimplyDog!!

She’s posing for the camera!!

I’m linking up this very Visible pooch with Visible Monday!! Check out all the very gorgeous and visible ladies!

I’ll be back on Tuesday with more 70’s fabulousness!! It’s been a blast riding the Way-back machine!

TTFN

Tamera

I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy!!

Happy Fourth of July!!

Hiya Blogland!! Don’t think you can get much dandier than 70’s Liberace in sequined hotpants!!

Our little Diva-ette is rocking a patriotic outfit of the Diva’s. I’m sure she is looking down in approval!

Today I’ll be sharing some vintage Bicentennial images. 1976 was the 200th birthday of the United States and we celebrated in groovy 70’s cheesetasticness!!

1.Gunne Sax Dress-I NEED this!
2. Tooled leather purse
3. Patriotic Gaucho’s!

1. Colonial inspired prints were the rage!
2. Notice Willis from Different Strokes?

Barbies, Colonial prints and a Bicentennial shirt ad

Sew your own Colonial Garb!

Companies tied into the Bicentennial with their advertising. Even if it made no sense whatsoever. Bicentennial CHAINSAWS??

More bicentennial themed advertisements. It was “stick a flag on EVERYTHING”

We can’t overlook dishes and such! There are still loads of this crap in thrifts!

Like I said-they put flags on the strangest stuff!

Pins and patches

Cuddly Ben Franklin doll, Avon does Bicentennial, the Official 1976 Bicentennial Edition Pacer Car, Hallmark Tin

I want ALL of these!!

Flip Wilson, Susan Ford & Sonny Bono on People, Fat Elvis in his blue Bicentennial Costume, KISS!!

I dressed about as patriotic as I’m gonna get for work yesterday. This outfit also fit right in with this weeks SpyGirl’s 52 Pick-me-up Challenge: Black, White, Red, Blue!

This is my outside version!

This is my ice-box office version!

Vintage blingy!

I’m also linking up a bit late with Jane at Flight Platform Living for Shiny T Tuesday-Red Sky at Night. This is about the only red I own. I need to remedy that!!

I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!! I’ll be back on Sunday with more fun!!

TTFN

Tamera

It’s Raining Men…..

Hiya Blogland!!! This week we’re gonna enjoy the polyester plumage of Men’s fashion in the 70’s!! Again I’m sharing vintage advertisements chronicling all of the awesomeness!!

But first–I am so thrilled and honored to be Spy-Girled!!! Thanks Anne!!

Now on to the StudMuffin Fest!!

Who can forget the nylon printed shirts? Dig that groovy suit!!

Men’s fashion got very colorful in the 70’s!!

Dig the groovy hats!!

Supah-fly!!! Those jumpsuits are hilarious!!

The peacock jumpsuit is just freakin’ amazing. And the other “thing”–no words!!

Boy Dockers and a polo shirt look mighty tame these days compared to the outfits guys wore in the 70’s!!

Monday’s outfit was definitely “I’m outta bed and dressed-what more do you want” kind of outfit. I left the tunic loose and “surrendered my waist” (My waist waved the white flag years ago!) Everything is thrifted except the shoes-which are ancient. It was loose and easy for a miserable jungle humid day.

Notice the little photobomber butt!!!

Gracey at Fashion for Giants is hosting a monthly Literary Stylings Challenge. You dress inspired by the book you are reading. My literary choices recently haven’t been all that exciting. I just finished Reversing Diabetes by Dr. Joel Fuhrman and am currently reading Eat for Health by the same. There’s a lot of discussion about eating salads in both books. So salad inspired my outfit today. Behold: Literary Salad Inspired Fashion!!

Celery, Carrots, and other healthy stuff!!

I hope everyone who celebrates has a wonderful 4th of July!! We are planning on visiting the in-laws at the farm and introducing Gracie!! Unfortunately I have to work Friday so it limits our plans a bit. however, due to the joys of Sequestration it will be the last Friday I work until October. Yup–i’m furloughed the next 14 Fridays. SUPER. Gonna have to be extra frugal as the hubster is also furloughed!!

I’ll be back Thursday evening with more 70’s fun!!

TTFN

Tamera

Put on your boogie shoes…..

Hiya Blogland!!! Has everyone had a wonderful weekend?? Doggyfest went very well. Gracie was excited to meet Noelle the grandpuppy. MrBill is still recuperating from all the excitement!

We took a long walk along the towpath. The area here is very “wild” with high stone cliffs. The doggies loved all the smells and such!

View of the river at the landing. Notice the cute photobomb!

Today we’re going to travel in the flashback machine to the land of Saturday Night Fever!!! Lets get out our finest polyester and DISCO!!

And for some total randomness-Couldn’t you just picture our Festival goddess Vix in that crochet halter dress?? I am totally digging Liz Taylor who, even at a “certain age” rocked the mini, boots and fringed poncho. She certainly wasn’t invisible!

And for even more randomness, I stopped by the Goodwill after church today. Picked up some craft stuff and was ready to leave when I spied this AMAZING skirt. It’s be Geiger of Austria and is 100% woven wool. It has the most amazing print of the alps and yodelers and such. I Googled the company-they’ve been around for over 100 years.  A similar skirt sold for $398 in 2010!!!! No clue what size it is-the label has no indication. It has a 35″ waist and is to my ankles (I’m 5’4). I got it for $3!!! Anyone interested in it?? I immediately thought of SheilaEphemera-it’s such a quirky print.

And now for my not so exciting OOTD. It’s so miserable humid that I just let the wings fly again! There’s nothing new here–I’ve worn this dress several times since last year. Oh–the necklace is a gift from the Queen Of Glastonbury Vix!!

This week we will be checking out the polyester peacocks of 70’s men’s fashion!!  This has been a blast seeing these styles again!! How I wished I had saved (and could fit in!!) the stuff I wore then!!

Anyone else remember doing “the Bump”???

I’m linking up with the Very Visible ladies at Visible Monday this week. See y’all on Tuesday!

 

TTFN

Tamera