35 Weeks

The Outfit:

Dress: Old Navy, non-maternity (I was an XS before pregnancy; I went with a medium in this dress so that it would be long enough to cover my belly. I'm sure it'll still fit without a big belly in there.  Even with this belly, I still wear an XS in their maxi dresses.)

Belt (old): Francesca's

Sandals: Aerosoles (they are really comfortable and have padding!)

Giraffe necklace (old): J. Crew Factory  

How far along? 35 weeks...we're really coming into the home stretch

Size: We went for a growth sonogram (worrywart mom alert) on July 10th when I was a little over 33 weeks. She measured at about 4lbs. 14oz. which surprises just about everyone because they want to know where I "put the baby." It calmed my fears induced (pun intended) by everyone trying to tell me I was too small. The midwife assured me that I am just one of those women who "tucks a baby in well." Overall, I have gained a little over 20 pounds. I texted this picture to my mom, and she said, "How is it possible that you already look bigger than you did on Sunday?" Thanks, Mom. Your granddaughter is packing on the pounds in there.

Nursery: Almost finished. We just need a chair, and I'd like to have more art and pictures hanging on the wall. Granted, she won't sleep in there right away because we have this awesome bassinet for her beginning weeks/months, but what are we really going to accomplish once she arrives?

Maternity Clothes: In terms of shorts or pants, absolutely! I even bought four nursing nightgowns from Motherhood Maternity (on sale, of course) to test drive them before she's born. They are SO comfortable, have built in bras, and will be perfect for when company comes because I can look put together without actually putting on real clothes or an actual bra. If ninjas were clothes, they'd be these nightgowns. My mom even thought they were actual dresses. However, I have gotten away with a lot of non-maternity dresses. I stick with very stretchy cotton and have had a lot of luck at Kohl's and Old Navy.

Stretch Marks: Not yet, but my body cannot be trusted not to sneak up on me with this one.

Sleep: HAHAHA. Sleep laughs at me. If needing to use the bathroom for the fifth time does not wake me, back pain wakes me. If back pain doesn't wake me, hot flashes from Hell wake me. If hot flashes do not wake me, this sweet child of mine decides it is time for us to rise and face the day at 4:00 in the morning. I love her so much already that I just roll with it. If a spontaneous nap comes later to relieve me, then so be it. If not, then let the delirium ensue.

Celebrations: This week is my dad's birthday, my sister-in-law's birthday, and the last week of my summer graduate course. This weekend, I'm also attending a grad party and a 1-year-old's birthday party. I think there's a lot of cause for celebration around these parts.

Cravings: Crabs (good thing I live in Maryland), ALL THINGS cheese (Pirate's Booty, cheese sticks, grilled cheese, pizza), and watermelon yogurt. So, it looks like my body is telling me to pack in the calcium and protein. 

Symptoms: I am keeping them somewhat at bay with my weekly visits to the chiropractor and acupuncturist, but my sinuses are really giving me trouble. Holy bloody noses, Batman. The humidifier and neti pot make a huge difference. 

Movement: She is active just like her daddy. She especially loves mealtime. She almost never stops moving, but as uncomfortable as heels trying to make an escape through my gall bladder incisions, toes curling under my rib cage, a mysterious body part sinking into my round ligament, and a head headbutting my lady parts, it reassures me that she is doing okay in there. I might cry out in pain, but I can handle that pain as long as she just stays healthy. I keep telling her that's her only job right now. Happy and healthy.

Belly Button: It came out to play. It's not cute. It's like that neighborhood kid who licks chalk off the sidewalk, so you don't answer the door when he knocks. It doesn't matter though because he finds you anyway. It really emerges when I laugh hysterically, which my husband strives to make happen on a daily basis. In the beginning, I put a band aid over it, but that caused a rash that lasted for about a week. I'd rather have an outie than a rash.

Feeling: Excited and worried--The thought of meeting her on the outside excites me more than anything ever has, but worry always nags at the back (okay, probably the front) of my mind that something will go wrong. I am good about preventing the worry from becoming stress, however. Honestly, I can handle all of the discomfort and pain if she just comes out healthy and happy. I don't care about agonizing labor, horrible postpartum symptoms, or any of my medical stuff as long as this kid comes out with a clean bill of health. I know labor and delivery is NO picnic in the park, and I just don't care. I am feeling such overwhelming love and concern for this kid that those things have yet to nag at me, which is probably because I have already had two car accidents, 8 root canals, gall bladder removal, appendix removal, tonsils and adenoids removal, sinus surgery, and impacted wisdom teeth removal. Clearly, I am no stranger to pain and none of that pain led to the survival of another human being, which makes this pain the most worthwhile. 

Talking in Your Sleep

When I thought of a title for this post, I started singing this song. Oh, hair bands, your music was as great as your frizzy, voluminous, Marge Simpson hair. Guys, I like this week. I would give it a fist bump if it had hands. 

The other day, Jeff and I had a conversation that went like this:

Jeff: Did you wake up while I was watching Mrs. Doubtfire?

Me: No, you were watching Mrs. Doubtfire!?

Jeff:  Yes, when your favorite part came on and he says "it was a run by fruiting!" you laughed and said, "it never gets old."
One, I did not know I talk in my sleep. Two, my love of Mrs. Doubtfire extends beyond my waking hours. Three, I was telling the truth; that line NEVER gets old. It makes me laugh every time, even in my sleep.

Vincenza has been a somersaulting maniac the past week, and I cannot stop laughing at her antics. She definitely grew over the past week because the kicks are much more forceful and not simply flutters. In fact, she gives an entirely new meaning to "the wave." At this point, people waffle between utter confusion that I am five and a half months along and that I finally "popped." As long as she rocks and rolls on the inside, keeps growing as she should, and comes out happy, I do not care how big or small I look to anyone. Just keep growing and wiggling, little lady. We will have a dance party when you make it to the outside.

The windows for her room finally arrived, so Jeff and my dad can install them when it's nice outside. Maybe this weekend for Jeff's birthday? He will also finish the dogs' den this week, so we can get rid of their crates, move the guest bed to the dogs' current room, and really start working on Vincenza's room.

Yes, I am 22 weeks today, but no bumpdate, just an "I love life and everything about it" post. Also, my dogs are hysterical. See picture one for evidence.

This picture is really about what Roxy is wearing.

The Look:

Dress: Old Navy (not maternity)

Cardigan: Old Navy

Necklace: Lauren Conrad via Kohl's

Boots: Ralph Lauren via DSW

Overwhelmingly Wonderful Day

While the adults of this world often leave me feeling fearful of our future, my students remind me of what's good about this planet. Thank you, students, for continually redeeming my faith in humanity. It makes me feel much less worried for this little one of mine. Today, with a trumpet, sign, flowers, and a crown, the senior class brought me the greatest honor, Teacher of the Year. I am surprised these pregnancy hormones did not push me into a pool of tears when you came into my fifth period class and surprised us all with the news. Even my fifth period juniors standing to clap for me did not bring tears to my eyes.

After I realized that the trumpet call was for me and not NHS tappings, all I could think of is how much joy you all bring me every day. I felt nothing but warmth (and no, I did not pee myself early, thank you), and that is why I could not shed a tear. I can only smile. The honest (yet cheesy) truth is that working with such a witty, talented, and sweet group of students for the past four years (and every year of my career) truly is the greatest honor of all. This kid of mine will need a closet dedicated to the shoes it needs to fill. Your overwhelmingly wonderful gesture humbles me. I hope the speech I have to write for your graduation (which leaves me feeling a little...a lot...scared) makes you as proud as I am of you.

If you'd like to see the tweet and a picture of my ever-so-flattering smile, here you have it:

Congratulations to Mrs. Wojcik, senior class Teacher of the Year! pic.twitter.com/OXPcz37VwU
— RH Spirit Hawk (@hawk_pride) February 19, 2015

Good thing I washed my hair this morning. Oh, speaking of which, I dressed myself, too. Here you go:

 

The Look:

Sweater: Old Navy (thanks, cousin Lisa!)

Top: Apt. 9 via Kohl's (thanks, Momma!)

Pants: Motherhood Maternity (thanks again, Momma!)

Note: the pants are actually gray, not black.

Earrings: New York & Co.

A few people have requested a bump picture. Ask and you shall receive. 

Finally, it's not gas. 

Opinions?

I'm on a mission to fill my closet with clothes I love and not crap I bought just because it was on sale. As a result, I've made quiiiiite a bit of money on thredUP. This money pays for the clothes I love that replace the ones I don't even like all that much.

You saw my thredUp order on Wednesday. I kept only two things from it, a scarf and a dress. First, let's take a look at my Old Navy order. I think I will keep only two things, but I'd love to hear your thoughts. (In truth, I only bought what I did in order to get free shipping! Don't we all?)

I'll start with what I plan to return unless you convince me otherwise.

(P.S. Old Navy is having a 30% off sale right now in case you want any of these items for yourself.)

The Sweater

I know it looks cute, but, good gosh, I do NOT need another striped anything, especially black and white stripes. Plus, it ended up being $20, and that's just too much for something I don't need. It fits really well and looks cute with these pants. However, instead of keeping it, I will just use this picture as inspiration for another outfit with my black and white striped top.

You can find it here. (It looks gray in the picture, but it's definitely black.)

The Dress

It's a very cute dress, and it's not hoochie short. It wasn't a steep price, but I need another black dress like I need a hole in the head. In case you're wondering, I'm 5'6" with a booty, so it's still long enough despite those factors. It's soft and remixable. I just don't need it. Find it here.

By the way, I just bought the burgundy wedges from Aerosoles, and they are so comfortable. I wore them all day to teach and even to a doctor's appointment. And Ulta. And my feet didn't hurt! They give a 15% discount to teachers. (No, I didn't realize Aerosoles made cute shoes and not just old lady shoes.) Want 'em? Get 'em here.

The Leopard Cardigan

Don't even try to dissuade me from keeping this cardigan. First of all, I've been looking for a printed cardigan because most of mine are solid-colored. I also wanted a leopard cardigan; I just didn't want it to be cheesy looking. Maybe you hate it, but I love it. No way is it going back. Just look at the next outfit.

I even created another look for you; it comes to you with a dog butt, too. The cardigan isn't in stores as far as I know, but it's here online. 

The Pink Cardigan

At first, I thought it was too long, and then I remembered my favorite black, thick cardigan and how much I wear that thing. I realized I actually love the length, and I can't stop wearing blush. I might have a problem, quite honestly. Once I styled it a few ways, it sold me. Am I wearing rose-colored glasses, and I should return it? 

Here's another look with it. I think I'll wear it for casual Friday tomorrow. 

Want one for yourself? Find it here.

I ate a horseshoe.

Only that statement could explain my very recent luck. Back in November, I told you how to avoid J.Crew (which really boiled down to how to avoid J.Crew in winter because you are allergic to the store's high-wool content. When I say "you," I really mean I.) Well, a week ago, I entered a giveaway hosted by GroopDealz on Instagram; they were offering up $150 to J.Crew. Seriously, for a giveaway that requires so much less effort than the 40+ things you have to do for nearly every blog giveaway, how could I not try?

Let us fast forward to this morning. After two weeks of antibiotics and in anticipation of a third week, I've been feeling--ummmm, how do I put this?--less than wonderful. This morning was particularly unkind to me, but I scolded myself and said, "get your butt to school, Danielle. It's just the stupid antibiotics. You'll feel better once you sarcastically reply to some witty teenager's remark." In the car, as I waited for the heated seats to toast my behind, I hopped on Instagram to check out the visual scene.

To my surprise, the bottom of the screen lit up in orange. Those wonderful little orange notifications brought me to a page with a few tagged comments that linked my Instagram handle (@likewo) and the word "congrats." On WHAT, you say? That $150 J.Crew gift card giveaway. Be still, my weak and antibiotic-laden stomach. Elle Woods was right. Endorphins make you happy, and happy people don't kill people. Well, that rush of endorphins actually made me feel better for the rest of the day. Magical, I tell you. And no one died by my hands today.

Is it pathetic that I am grateful for the gift card but even more grateful that the news of that gift card made me physically feel better for the rest of the day? So, thanks, GroopDealz, you proved how medicinal endorphins can be--maybe I need to work out in the mornings!?--and, from you, I learned that gift cards can now be sent via e-mail. It's like some fancy, electronic sorcery of the most exciting kind.

P.S. I am writing this post one day before you're reading it, which means these events happened on Tuesday. I hope you're not feeling confused now.

P.P.S. What are good, gotta-have-it buys at J.Crew? It's not a store I frequent, so I'm feeling a bit like a baby deer learning to use its legs.

P.P.P.S. Thank you to all of the people and companies who host giveaways. It's so kind and generous of you to do.

My colleague called this my "channeling Sarah Connors" look. 

(The Terminator Sarah Connors, in case you Google her and find some other chick)

The Look:

Sweater: Express (IT'S SO COMFY!)

Shirt: Express

Pants: Old Navy Rockstars 

Boots: Etienne Aigner via Macy's a few years ago

Necklace: New York & Co. a few years ago

Linking up with

Shanna

and

The Pleated Poppy

Awkward Hands, Please Stop Being Awkward.

How am I nearing 30 and still struggling with where to put my hands when someone takes a photograph of me? Throw someone into a photo with me, and, sure, I got ya covered. Stand me in the frame alone, and I have jazz hands that move all willy-nilly. Mom scolded me for looking like I had clenched fists in some of the photos she took for this week's posts. Mom, where do I put my hands? Don't you know it's really hard to contain all of this awkward brimming at the surface when I pose for a photo?

She told me to look natural with my hands in my hair. If my hand is in my hair, and I'm being "natural,"  it's probably accompanied by a gruff grumble and an unflattering wink because those damn flyways won't stop creeping into my eyeball. That pose does not a cute photo make. I could put my hands on my hips, but sometimes that feels too sassy despite my being quite the sassy broad. I could put them in my pockets, but then I look handless in some photos. I could let them dangle, but then I run the risk of looking like a primate because I have pretty long arms.

Clearly, I need to do some research on this matter.

Out of all of this week's looks, I think this one was Mom's favorite. These pants feel like pajamas, and she must have known that. Because if Mom values anything sartorially, it's comfort. I am most definitely my mother's daughter.

Note: I couldn't pick a favorite from this week if I tried because I love every single outfit, and I don't usually say that about what I've picked out for the week. I have lots of layers, outfit formulas, and prints coming your way.

The Look:

Shirt: Express (here's a polka dot shirt from Forever 21)

Cardigan: Old Navy (exact--I like how Brynn and Inge have worn the same one!)

Pants: Express (exact--absolutely worth the money)

Boots: b.o.c. via DSW (best boots EVER)

Necklace: Lauren Conrad via Kohl's (another cute elephant necklace by Lauren Conrad)

I bought them last year, so they're not online. Sorry :(

Ignore my hands.

I cut out my "clenched" hands in this photo. You're welcome. 

(I tried belting the pants, but it looked weird. I preferred the untucked shirt here.)

This "formula" (boyfriend cardigan + untucked shirt + skinny pants + boots) has worked for me before:

Tomorrow, I'm wearing an outfit that Danielle over at Goodwillista picked out for me based on clothes she knew were in my closet. I'm going to be honest: it might be one of my very favorite looks ever! Will you link up for Style Swap with Ginny and Jenn this week? (You absolutely should.)

OH OH! Tomorrow's Trendy Tuesday theme is Blazers and Button Ups. 

I do hope you'll join my colleagues and me in this trendy event :)

------------------------
Linking up with
Molly
The Style Record
and
Mix It Mondays

Go Shopping with Me :)

Today's shopping tips:

1. If you don't want to buy a lot, wear stuff that makes you HOT (not sexy hot but temperature hot). When I returned something in LOFT today, I realized that hot stores make me want to do nothing other than run away. Quickly. And strip off all of my clothes. And jump in the fountain with all of that scummy change. (If you legitimately want to buy things and you're a woman on a mission, then be sure to wear clothing that's socially appropriate to remove when you get too hot.)

2. Buy an item and then create outfits with it once you get home.

3. Take pictures of those outfits because sometimes the mirror lies to you when the photographic evidence tells the truth. (Since I force myself into this habit every time I purchase something, I'm much less likely to buy more in a trip.)

4. Ask your husband/boyfriend to return something for you. If you're not in the store to return the item, then you can't be tempted to buy anything in that store...uuuuunless you go to their online site.
 
5. Make a list of things you're hunting for while you're out.

Today, when I went to the mall, I took a few items back. Since several stores had some nice sales, I decided to peruse (only momentarily because patience is not one of my husband's virtues). I also wanted to visit Old Navy because they were running some great deals.

Purchased: 
Old Navy:
* Indigo dress ($12!)
* Thick, braided white belt ($8)
* Skinny, braided black belt ($8)
(I used a gift card.)
The Limited:
* Black coated skinny jeans with gold zippers, which I plan to call my sexy pants (40% off of $39.99)
* Gold, braided necklace (40% off $6.99)

Returned:
LOFT--sweater for $22 (I tried to find it friends in my closet, and I just wasn't impressed.)
GAP--cognac, wool blazer for $58 (I tried to make wool work, but it was a lost cause.)
Kohl's--LC blouse for $20 (I envisioned it several ways in the store. When I tried those ways at home, it was a big fail. Jeff referred to one outfit as "old ladyish." Yeah, that's not a compliment.)

Now for the outfits!

First up, my coated skinny jeans from The Limited, which I stalked online (to no avail) and found plenty of in the store. It was meant to be?

They only have sizes 10 & 12 left online. 

(Big image for any of you collage pinners out there.)

Outfit 1

Top & Pants: The Limited

Flats: Steve Madden via DSW

Outfit 2:

Necklace: Francesca's

Shirt: Rock & Republic via Kohl's

Blazer: Express

Flats: Steve Madden via DSW

Outfit 3:

Scarf: gift from a student :)

Pants: The Limited

Shirt: Target

Boots: hand-me-down from Mom

Outfit 4:

Blazer: ModCloth

Heels: Aerosoles via Marshall's

Shirt: Target

Necklace: The Limited

Next up: Indigo dress from Old Navy (here--it's 25% off $26 online. I got it for $12 in store.)

Outfit 1:

Blazer: Jennifer Lopez via Kohl's

Necklace: gift

Dress: Old Navy

Heels: via Marshall's (they're on my reverse 30x30!)

Outfit 2:

(I didn't know what to do with the scarf, so I tied it in the back around my waist. I really like it.)

Scarf: Target

Boots: Franco Sarto via Marshall's

Outfit 3:

Cardigan (OLD): Express

Booties: Old Navy

Belt (OLD): Target

Outfit 4 (not pictured in collage):

(This look will have to wait for spring!)

Belt: Old Navy (the white braided belt I got)

Shoes: Rock & Republic via Kohl's

How did I do? Did I make you want to go to Old Navy and The Limited? ;)

Reverse 30x30: Navy Sweater & Casual Day

We try round two of the root canal today since six shots of novocaine proved useless last time. Wish me luck that he does not drill into my nerve and I still feel it this time around. 

I went to the ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor yesterday and came bearing CT films as a gift. 

You know you have super sinuses when the specialist's response to your x-rays is "WHOA. No wonder you've been in so much pain." You know me, I'm always here to impress.

Apparently, I have pan sinusitis. My teaching English to the common teenager informed me that pan means all, so I predicted that "pan" sinusitis fell into the not-so-fun category. Two of my sinus cavities are completely blocked, but ALL (where "pan" comes into play) of my sinuses are impacted in some way. Supposedly, he should have seen a wall in there. Nope, no wall. Just lots of gray. Speaking of gray, I like these gray pants. Thanks for designing them, J.Lo. 

The Look:

Sweater (reversed item): Apt 9 via Kohl's (it was surprisingly difficult to style! Very similar one from Old Navy)

Button up: Old Navy (it's surprisingly versatile. Similar gingham one from Forever 21)

Pants: J.Lo via Kohl's (similar from Old Navy)

Flats: via DSW (very similar from Zappos)

Necklace: New York & Co.  (similar from Stella & Dot) 

(Sometimes, my eyes disappear when I smile.)

Linking up with

Style Sessions

-------------------

Reversed 30x30 Update:

(Original Post in case you want pictures and a run down of this challenge)
Click on the link after each item to view the post that features it. 

1. coral and khaki skirt (look forward to this one this week!)

2. gray and yellow skirt 

3. white pencil skirt (officially waiting for spring--too cold for the outfits I have planned for it)

4. teal velvet pants (officially reversed)

5. polka dot tights (you'll see them tomorrow.)

6. khaki pants (officially returned)

7. brown boots (officially reversed)

8. black wedge booties (officially reversed)

9. red heels

10. tri-color wedges (officially reversed)

11. aztec scarf 

12. teal necklace

13. striped dress (officially reversed)

14. tan dress (officially rejected)

15. navy dress (probationally reversed)

16. polka dot shirt (officially reversed)

17. polka dot cardi (you'll see it this week.)

18. polka dot blouse (officially reversed) 

19. printed blazer (on probation, might be leaving the closet, LEAVING the closet)

20. chambray (officially reversed)

21. paisley blouse (officially rejected)

22. gray shirt (officially rejected)  

23. paisley blouse 2 (officially reversed)

24. emerald sleeveless sweater (too cold for it just yet)

25. navy sweater (officially reversed)

26. blush sweater with silver polka dots (next week)

27. silver sweater (officially rejected)

28. black sweater (next week...if I don't expatriate it)

29. white lace sweater (officially reversed)

30. orange sweater (officially reversed)

31. long-sleeve purple shirt (next week)

32. gray skinnies (these have REALLY been reversed)

33. light khakis (you'll see them later this week)

34. gold blazer (officially reversed) 

I'm almost finished! I've really started to wear some of these items (especially the brown boots and gray pants) a LOT. I'm quite glad I thought up and took on this challenge :) Anyone planning on trying it out sometime?

Dry Shampoo Tips & Some Wardrobe Favorites

The first half of this post is filled with some of my favorite things. Cue Sound of Music singing. The second portion is filled with my dry shampoo tips. (How I make it to days 3 and 4 without washing my hair.)

The Favorites

This Scarf (and obviously this woman)

It's one of those scarves that could serve as a mini blanket, which I just might enlist it to do the next time I hop on a plane. 

It's $32.67 at Asos, but the husband caught it on a 30% off sale. 

(A little birdie might have told him. A little birdie might also have told him to cancel the order after finding out that he did not type in the 30% off code at check out.) 

This Dress from Gap

I didn't buy it because it was $60 full price, and I just don't pay full price at a store I know will throw it on sale soon enough. Patience, grasshopper. 

However, I fell in deep like with this dress. It's a thick fabric, has pockets, perfect work length, and will function in any season. I'm picturing it with a striped shirt or white oxford underneath. The reviews of it are not great, but I guess it depends on your body type? I'm not sure, but it took a liking to me. 

The Necklace & Booties are also new favorites

The necklace was a Christmas gift from my sister-in-law. She has such great taste, right? I especially love it with this dress and the booties. Add a blazer and a skinny belt, and we're in serious business. 

The booties are here at Old Navy. We got them in store during a super sale. They were $19.19! 

This Blazer (which is on sale at Gap)

Typically, I'm hopelessly allergic to wool, which is in this blazer, but it wasn't bothering me at all despite the fact I continued to rub my neck against it like a kitten. It's the color that enticed me. I won't lie to you. Here, I'm wearing a 2. Typically, I'm a 0, but I think the arms would be WAY too small in a 0. I like the dress, too, but I wasn't sold on it.

This Top & These Jeans

It was $22 on the LOFT sale rack, and it came home with me. It will tuck into a skirt really well or it'll pair well with jeans (including these!) and a long, drapey necklace. I think I just made up that term, but I have no other name for it. I cannot find the top on their site, so you'd have to check the store. It was the only one left.

As for these jeans, they're "pencil" jeans by Lauren Conrad (whose book, Style, I was rereading tonight! Hey, I needed a break from Huck Finn), which Mom found at Kohl's. Find them in two washes here. They're on sale for $29.99. I am wearing them in a size 0. Mom argues that they elongate my legs. I really did not expect to love them as much as I do. Thanks, Mom, for bringing another favorite pair of jeans to my closet!

Dry Shampoo Tips

Previously, I used that Suave dry shampoo you can find at Target. I'm sure drug stores carry it, but I avoid touching anything at drugstores. Too many sick people. Germs. Shudder. 

Carrying on, I noticed that the Suave stuff just wasn't cutting it. It worked on second day hair, but that's about it. Third day hair? Mmm, not so much. My locks just harbor that oil. 

My stylist suggested Redken. Now, she told me that it works just fine on blonde hair, but I'm not sure how it affects brunettes. If you want some other products to try, Vogue suggested these 16 waterless shampoos. Redken's is one of them. (I found the link when I was looking for a picture of the product.)

Anyway, on the second day of no shampooing, I spray the dry shampoo on the roots at the very top of my head. I do not use a brush (too thick) or my hands (adds oil.) I spray the dry shampoo about six inches from my head and use a fine tooth comb because it more evenly distributes the product.  

On the third and fourth days, I do not spray just the top of my head. I work in three layers. 

1. Spray the top layer generously. Comb through with fine tooth comb.

2. Lift up a third of hair (just above ears) and spray generously. Comb through.

3. Spray the underside of hair (base of neck). Comb through. 

Oil builds up at the roots, and the roots are not at just the top of your head. As soon as I started spraying two other layers, I noticed a big difference in how not oily my hair looked. 

My Three-Day System:

Day 1--straight hair

 Day 2--with a flat iron, touch up spots that went haywire during sleep

Day 3--curl hair (hides oil much better than plain straight hair)

Linking up with Molly and Monday Must Haves Link Up.

I love my brown boots.

Welcome to another shameless dressing room selfie. I'm not entirely sure what selfie isn't somehow linked to shame, but that's a story for another day. Before I got mah hur did tonight, I stopped into LOFT to return a dress. 

I exchanged it for this skirt. I love it. I've been looking for a red skirt, and this one fits like a dream. Plus, it was on the clearance rack. Double win for me. 

And why do I love my brown boots?

They go with all the things (in my closet)! 

I walked into LOFT wearing the following outfit:

I'd like to call this my Robin Hood color scheme. Where are my bow and arrow? 

(The pants are hunter green.)

The Outfit & Details:

Cardigan: Old Navy (need more colorrrrs)

Pants: Gap (by far my FAVORITE skinny jeans. I want more. and more. and more.)

Belt: Francesca's

Top: Old Navy

Boots: Franco Sarto (favorite shoe designer) via Marshall's

Necklace: Target

Comments: I really love the colors in this outfit, and people stopped me to throw down some comments at my beautiful booted feet. I originally planned to wear a black silk top with black boots, but I changed my mind this morning. (Yes, I pick out my clothes the night before.) Good change? I think so.

Navy, Maroon, and Gray Coordination

On Saturday, I accompanied my best friend, her mom, her future mother in law, and her grammy to look for her wedding dress. She looked beautiful in everything that she put on, and I'm not just making that comment because I'm biased. It's true! 

Note: I did not realize that I would be trying on dresses as well; otherwise, I might have nixed the whole tights plan. Never wear tights to go clothes shopping unless you love peeling off tights only to pull them on again...and again. Or, if you don't try on clothes, but who doesn't do that?

Anyway, I love seeing my best friend *duh*. It makes me so sad that she lives three hours away. We always have a great time when we're together. I sort of hijacked the consultant's job because I started to help Julie try on dresses. I would stick my arms through the top of the dress, and she would stick her head through the bottom of the dress. We started pretending to be Mrs. Doubtfire and saying, "Hellooooo!" when we met in the middle, haha. Sandy, the consultant, seemed none too pleased about my taking her job, but she totally warmed up to our crew. At one point, I was sitting down on a seat that looked like a side table (and felt like a tree stump), trying not to steal Sandy's job, when Sandy reprimanded me for sleeping on the job! I scurried over to continue helping out. She liked us after all :)

Eventually, Julie said it was time for me to try on dresses. Honestly, I'd wear a paper sack if she told me to do so. I happily obliged. We realized that I am most definitely a 2, not a 4 because well, as I told the ladies in the adjoining dressing room, "I do not have 'big ladies;' I have twelve-year-old boys."Amusing, sad, and true. When I put on the dress that we ended up choosing, I swear angels were singing. Would you like to know why? THERE WERE POCKETS! What a sweet treat for my hands. Pockets? Oh my gosh, deliciousness. 

Although it is overwhelmingly exhausting, there is just something about the wedding planning process that makes it magical. Am I right? 

I'm too cheap to get my hair done right now, so I'm going to see if I can rock the ombre look. 

In case I wanted to feel a bit like I was driving Miss Daisy. 

Blazer: Old Navy (not jean, but this navy one would do the job)

Blouse: The Limited (same one)

Skirt: Old Navy (same one here)

Tights: Simply Vera for Kohl's ($6.50 for these)

Wedges: Marshalls 

Necklace: NY & Co. 

(So many women were amazed by how coordinated my outfit was. Ah, awesome.)