tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71043103777437002012024-03-18T21:26:03.056-07:00Mixing MaterialsThe Material Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792962859728292606noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104310377743700201.post-30904879771810566972008-04-28T17:22:00.001-07:002008-04-28T17:44:11.543-07:00Where Have All the Fashion Magazines Gone?The fashion magazine is a dying breed. I'm talking about a true fashion magazine, not magazines that claim to be fashion magazines, but are really WOMEN'S magazines. In my world that means:<br />1. No health tips or information on the latest DISEASE affecting WOMEN - the ONE THAT WILL SURPRISE YOU! (I prefer my medical information be from medical professionals, thank you very much)<br />2. No diets or MIRACLE FOODS that WILL get you bikini-body ready IN TIME FOR SUMMER (uh-huh)<br />3. No interviews unless they are focusing on fashion (clothes, shoes, makeup, hair, home, etc)<br />4. No politics (that's what Newsweek and CNN are for)<br />5. No social issues (unless I can fund them by buying a cute shirt or recycling my shampoo bottle - see number 4)<br />6. No spreads of celebrities at parties (unless we are mocking or coveting what they are wearing, because who wants to see pictures of people having great fun at a party they weren't invited to?) 7. No sex (and, for the love of all that is good and holy, no euphamisms for female genitalia - I saw an issue of Cosmo at the nail salon on Saturday that actually had "va-jay-jay" on the cover. Seriously.)<br /><br />I have now had to rule out damn near everything in print. Now, there is some great stuff online, but I like the whole turning pages aspect of print material, so there. <strong>Lucky</strong> passes muster, but they are getting on my nerves as they don't seem to realize that most of us are over the age of 25 and don't give a crap what their nineteen year-old flavors of the month are wearing. I like about half of the average issue of <strong>InStyle</strong>, but that's about it. It has gotten so bleak that I now treat my catalogs as magazines and get excited when they come in the mail. It seems like the old guard - Marie Claire, Vogue, Allure, Glamour, Elle and the like - have all morphed into one publication titled iM VAGuE.The Material Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792962859728292606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104310377743700201.post-56604967198983972732008-04-28T06:36:00.000-07:002008-04-28T06:56:45.016-07:00But They're Not ComfortableI have a friend who won't wear heels because "they're not comfortable." Have you heard this one? Keep in mind that this friend once wore a rather unfortunate ensemble (at home) that involved a significant camel toe. My argument here is that in no way is a camel toe ever comfortable (or attractive, but that's a whole other eggplant), so clearly comfort cannot be the only consideration here. So, why exclude beautiful shoes from your wardrobe if you're going to allow the above travesty?<br /><br />Now, I will admit that my running shoes are more appropriate for walking than four-inch platforms, but that doesn't mean I'm going to wear them with a pencil skirt. And I have to say that many of my heels are no less comfortable than my flats (and so much cuter!). I only have one pair of heels that are actually uncomfortable. My four-inch leopard platforms are four hour shoes (meaning that I regret wearing them after four hours). Usually if heels are getting unpleasant, sitting down will relieve the discomfort; however, this particular pair of shoes is not improved by sitting. It has to be something to do with the design, since I have other shoes in similar styles, the same height (or higher) that are not uncomfortable. Regardless, don't knock it until you've tried it and slip on some heels!<br /><br />And, now about that other issue... if your girly parts are visible, your pants don't fit. It's not comfortable for the rest of us (and I don't know how it could be for you).The Material Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792962859728292606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104310377743700201.post-40742206519940664172008-02-25T11:13:00.000-08:002008-02-25T11:19:38.591-08:00Shop til You DropSo, Saturday morning LooLoo, BooBoo, The Cheap Chick and I headed over to the Mall of America. It was ridiculously hot and crowded (as is typical on a Saturday around lunchtime), but The Cheap Chick found herself a hottie bar shirt. And I didn't buy anything (except some food to quiet the wee ones). However, a few short hours later LooLoo, BooBoo and I met NaNa over at Southdale. I did not leave there without buying anything. I found chocolate pants for $9.99, jeans for $5.99, a couple of bracelets, a headband and a pair of sunglasses for LooLoo - all for less than $10 each. So, the sales at New York and Company were impossible to resist. Sigh.<br /><br />I'd say I am adequately outfitted for the next century, but I know myself better than that. Now I just need to put some cute outfits together to make it all worthwhile!The Material Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792962859728292606noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104310377743700201.post-78824624450076472662008-02-19T17:43:00.001-08:002008-02-19T18:03:46.766-08:00Happy and RelaxedI just came back from a girls' weekend in Western Minnesota. The Blonde One gave me a spa weekend getaway for Christmas, so I invited three of my girlfriends to join me. We had a really great time! I didn't count a single calorie and ate whatever I wanted. (I definitely ate much less than I would have normally - it was actually quite disturbing.) I got a manicure, a pedicure, a wrap, a facial and an eye treatment. I slept in, drank beer, went to a wine tasting, ate junk, took naps and watched absolutely no kid TV. I bought clothes for LooLoo and BooBoo and a BUNCH of stuff just for me! My catalog order came yesterday and that was a black dress (see below) I'd been coveting FOREVER and a camel swing blazer (envision Jackie O). I also got an olive safari-esque shirtdress, chocolate flip-flops, a long chocolate puffer jacket with faux fur trim, three more pairs of my favorite skivvies, a long red sweater coat, green sweat pants, green long-sleeved tee and a green v-neck tee (are you sensing a trend here?). Oh, yeah - I got a fantastic pair of shoes last night when I went shopping with LooLoo and BooBoo. I have to stop!<br /><br />Shout outs to: The Blonde One for being an awesome guy and taking such good care of his loony wife; Sah-wa, J to the H and J to the B for whooping it up with me; MIL & FIL for hanging out with LooLoo and BooBoo; LooLoo and BooBoo for being my sweet potato bugs.<br /><br />Monday: Nothing attractive, since I had the day off and spent it in Mom garb<br />Tuesday: Turquoise long-sleeved tee, new black tunic dress, turquoise drop earrings, black tights and black & silver high-heeled bootsThe Material Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792962859728292606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104310377743700201.post-73070206522719287332008-01-30T16:06:00.001-08:002008-01-30T16:15:38.546-08:00You Can Pinch One Less Inch!I have lost a full inch on each my waist and hips. I am so excited! I don't have a scale, so I'm not tracking my weight very well, but it's just gravity anyway.<br /><br />I was able to wear a pair of pants yesterday that had NEVER fit! I got them from a catalog (they were VERY inexpensive) and had never been able to wear them. I was able to get them buttoned if I put on Spanx, but it wasn't pretty and I sure wouldn't have been comfortable. However, I wore them yesterday without any special undergarments or discomfort! Being able to wear things that haven't fit for a while (or ever) feels like I've just come home from a shopping spree, but it's already paid for.<br /><br />Monday: heathered green tee, chocolate cardigan, camel cords, gold & green bangles, olive Skechers<br />Tuesday: purple 3/4 sleeved button-down, purple argyle sweater vest, black wide-legged pants, silver & pearl multi-strand chain necklace, black patent pee-toe pumps<br />Wednesday: white ribbed tank, salmon-y 3/4 sleeved tunic, mid-rinse jeans (ON), mixed stone necklace, turquoise earrings & bracelets, fUggsThe Material Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792962859728292606noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104310377743700201.post-25299451729537971132008-01-24T18:35:00.000-08:002008-01-24T18:45:45.517-08:00Boo-tay Be Gone!It's only been a couple of weeks that I've been diligently eating 1200 calories per day and I am proud to report that I have lost a full inch from both my waist and my boo-tay. Yippee! I am currently wearing my favorite jeans (dark rinse Long & Lean from the Gap) which had not fit for over six months. Whoopee! Also, let me shout out to The Schma who is also working on decreasing her girth - we have some nasty gene pool baddies to fight off.<br /><br />For the record, 1200 calories kind of sucks, but I'm making it work with small portions and lots of produce. No one should eat fewer than 1200 calories without medical supervision and everyone should listen to their bodies. Case in point, if I NEED to eat (like I'm dizzy or uncomfortable or feeling shaky or whatever), I will have a bowl of cereal (measured to one serving size) even though that may put me over my preferred caloric allotment - no passing out for The Material Girl!<br /><br /><br />Now I just have to get some more activity...<br /><br />Monday: mid-rinse jeans (S & B), pale yellow tank, coral v-neck sweater, fUggs<br />Tuesday: dark rinse jeans (Mossimo), black v-neck tee, camel cardi-wrap secured with antique pin, antiqued silver earrings, black & silver belt, black & camel pointy-toed stilettos (thanks to The Cheap Chick for my new footwear!)<br />Wednesday: wine-colored button down, brown plaid pants, garnet studs, large gold circle necklace, red platform peep-toe pumps<br />Thursday: Inspi(red) v-neck tee, camel cord blazer, dark rinse Long & Leans, black & gold belt, garnet studs, black round-toe wedgesThe Material Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792962859728292606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104310377743700201.post-34243499738124230512008-01-10T18:28:00.000-08:002008-01-10T18:36:16.751-08:00What Did I Get Myself Into?My girlfriend, Sanchez, recently asked me to join her in a pact. Of course, I said, What kind of pact? We will wear string bikinis when we are 40. Excuse me? I have NEVER worn a string bikini - bikini yes, string no - especially since giving birth twice. However, I am a determined little Material Girl and since I have entered into such an insane bargain, I intend to meet the challenge. Sanchez (it comes from Naughty T-shirt Night at a Girls' Weekend) has fewer years to reach the 40 mark, but she's starting out a helluva lot smaller than I am, so I think that makes us pretty much even. Yikes! I am still following the 1200 calorie plan and may be doing so for the next 4.5 years...now to start exercising more...<br /><br />Wednesday: red v-neck tee, black fleece hoody, silver necklace, silver CZ studs, black belt with silver buckle, black skinny jeans and black kicks (this may be a repeat outfit)<br />Thursday: black v-neck long-sleeved tee, turquoise earrings and bracelets, black pashmina as a scarf, black belt with silver buckle, super-dark jeans (bought on sale at Banana Republic for $23.99 from $128.00 while shopping with Sanchez) and super-fabulous turquoise and yellow hidden platform pumps -- This outfit is ALL about the shoes!The Material Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792962859728292606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104310377743700201.post-65352279955498292852008-01-08T17:42:00.000-08:002008-01-08T17:53:57.478-08:00Little by Little...So, I recently measured my waist and hips. It was horrible! I recognize that I am not the same size as I was when I was 20. Why should I be? I am certainly not the same person I was when I was 20. However, I really didn't realize just how much I have grown (not in the good way) since then until I measured my waist and hips and they were both ten inches bigger than they had been! Ten inches! That's bigger than my feet for God's sake! I need to breathe. I had previously started to whittle away at my excess adipose tissue, but I am now filled with renewed fervor. Hopefully there will be less and less of me (and my generous booty) in the weeks to come.<br /><br />As I decrease, I am looking forward to one thing more than all others combined: wearing my clothes that no longer fit. It's like renewing old friendships and always makes me smile. I can't wait to fit back into my favorite pair of jeans and I will once again wear the world's greatest suit.<br /><br />Monday: charcoal gray long sleeved tee, black sweater coat, silver necklace, black and silver earrings, black and silver wide belt, dark rinse jeans (Levi's), running shoes<br />Tuesday: pink patterned shell, pink 3/4 sleeved velvet blazer, dark rinse jeans (Mossimo), sparkly silver hoops, silver necklace, dark pink patent peep-toe ankle strap mini heeled wedgesThe Material Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792962859728292606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104310377743700201.post-59257328963143293082007-12-22T06:48:00.000-08:002007-12-22T07:06:30.978-08:00A Little Perspective...Sometimes you just need a little perspective on life. I've been feeling a little overwhelmed (and, to be frank, sorry for myself) lately. You know, woe is me...I have to buy more Christmas presents, I have no time, I got a ticket for expired tabs (let's not go there), I have to wrap presents, I still haven't done Christmas cards, Our TV crapped out, blah, blah, blah. So, there are often people with signs at the exit I take to get to my house. The one yesterday was a woman with a sign that said (something to the effect of) Mom of three - everything helps. Whenever we see someone in this situation, BooBoo says, "Oh, that poor man/woman - he/she's hungry. Mom, give him/her some food." Well, snacks are something I am rarely without - cash I am rarely with, but kid food is pretty much a constant. So, I pushed down my window and offered her two packages of cookies and some fruit snacks and said something like, "There, one for each child." Her reply was, "Oh, wonderful. Now I've got stocking stuffers." I could have cried. Here I was feeling sorry for myself because I had to go out and get just the right movies (at $20 a pop) for my girls' stockings and there's this woman standing out on the corner, relieved to get some treats for her kids' stockings. I think nothing of these treats - we've got them all over the house. I said a silent prayer of thanks and drove my sweet daughter home.<br /><br />Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays. God bless you and those you love. Pray that I remember to renew my tabs on time next year. Peace.<br /><br />Back to my (important to me, but not important in the entire scheme of the universe - perspective, you know) wardrobe. Oh, first my Christmas presents part II: workout bag, towel, socks, shoelaces, water bottle, $100 gift certificate toward new athletic shoes, mixed nuts & wild rice (my employer); lime-y green super-soft bathrobe (J to the H); plaid pajama pants and coordinating slippers (J to the B). I am blessed with the best friends, family and co-workers.<br /><br />Wednesday: white tee, pink fleece hoodie, medium rinse jeans (S & B), fUggs<br />Thursday: (work Holiday Party) black 3/4-sleeve scoopneck sweater, lavender pleated silk skirt, black pearl & diamond necklace, gold hoops, black tights, black patent peep-toe platforms, midnight blue Kate Spade handbag <br /><br />PS - Shout out the The Schma - See, your babies will always need you. Hugs and Kisses.The Material Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792962859728292606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104310377743700201.post-81774949667213831282007-12-18T20:56:00.000-08:002007-12-18T21:15:14.476-08:00Christmas CheerI got this from my friend Anna in Colorado and thought, What better way to share my vastly important and entertaining thoughts with the maximum number of people? So, here goes...<br /><br /> 1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I spent one Holiday Season wrapping gifts at then Marshall Field's, now Macy's and forever Dayton's, so I use the occasional gift bag, but I prefer wrapping gifts and do so in a completely anal fashion.<br /><br /> 2. Tree--Real or Artificial? Faux.<br /> <br /> 3. When do you put Christmas tree up? Usually Thanksgiving weekend or the first weekend in December.<br /> <br /> 4. When do you take the tree down? Some time after Epiphany (January 6th), but hopefully not too long (as I have done in the past).<br /> <br /> 5. Like egg nog? Not one little bit.<br /> <br /> 6. Do you have a nativity scene? No.<br /> <br /> 7. Favorite gift received as a child? My Barbie Town House.<br /> <br /> 9. Easiest person to buy for? The Cheap Chick.<br /> <br /> 10. Worst Christmas gift? I got a hideous sweater from my college boyfriend's mom - the year was 1993, the sweater was an off-white mockneck tunic length acrylic creation covered in 3-D shapes in neutral tones. The shapes included curlicues, swirls, grapes and other such lovely things. <br /> <br /> 11. Mail or email a Christmas card? Mail.<br /> <br /> 12. Favorite Christmas movie? The Grinch.<br /> <br /> 13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? December 26th, Baby!<br /> <br /> 14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not that I can remember.<br /> <br /> 15. Favorite food to eat on Christmas? Cream wafer cookies.<br /> <br /> 16. Clear or colored tree lights? Either way - just not all blue or purple.<br /> <br /> 17. Favorite Christmas Song? Highbrow: O Holy Night or the Alleluia Chorus from Handel's Messiah Lowbrow: Santa Claus Is Coming to Town as sung by Springsteen or Jingle Bell Rock<br /> <br /> 18. Travel during Christmas or Stay home? Stay close to home.<br /> <br /> 19. Can you name Santa's reindeers? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph.<br /> <br /> 20. Angel or Star on Tree top? Angel.<br /> <br /> 21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas Eve with The Blonde One's extended family and Christmas morning with our immediate family and my extended family. Other opportunities as they occur.<br /> <br /> 22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? People yammering on incessantly about how busy they are during the Holidays and how they can't do anything else this time of year.<br /><br />So, I've gotten a few gifts already. A Starbuck's gift card (name draw), three angel pins (Aunt & Uncle), bookcase and baskets (Schma & Padre), small midnight blue satin Kate Spade handbag and handmade stained glass business card holder (Boss Lady), bottle of red (Boss Man) and large midnight blue velvet Nine West handbag and teal/chocolate/lime argyle socks (The Cheap Chick). Now I need some midnight blue shoes and a new dress (or two) to show off my fabulous handbags. My handbag from The Cheap Chick was actually on TV today, as The Cheap Chick was on KARE11 talking about her $20 spending experiment. My handbag is famous!<br /><br />Tuesday's ensemble - white v-neck tee, olive corduroy belted blazer, dark rinse jeans (Mossimo), silver & brown earrings, brown high-heeled bootsThe Material Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792962859728292606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104310377743700201.post-75102382000143576082007-12-17T20:08:00.000-08:002007-12-17T20:31:37.572-08:00Mama Needs a New Pair of ShoesSo, I ordered my Schma a pair of black mary jane kicks from Cutesy Shoes for Christmas. For those of you who don't know Cutesy Shoes, they're a fabulous website full of inexpensive shoes and they offer free shipping for orders over $50. Since the Schma's shoes only cost 28.00, I could either pay $10 for shipping or buy myself some shoes and get free shipping. Which do you think I chose? I ended up ordering three - count 'em three - pair of shoes for less than $52! I am so excited for my shoes to come - I got a pair of camel peep toe platform pumps and a pair of totally retro turquoise and yellow hidden platforms. I cannot wait to pull out these totally funky shoes. Merry Christmas to me!<br /> <br />Monday - eggplant long-sleeved tee, wrap-y, cape-y thing in shades of blue, green and purple (it's cute, trust me), knee-length jean skirt, turquoise jade drop earrings, black cableknit tights, purple and pewter suede wedges.The Material Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792962859728292606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104310377743700201.post-32932341665094180452007-12-16T10:10:00.000-08:002007-12-16T10:38:08.239-08:00Sometimes You Just Have to Rack It!So, the other day at work one of my quotes came back to me. Usually when that happens it's something inane that I said, like when I told The Blonde One very earnestly, "You get what you receive." Yes, yes you do. Sigh. Anyhoo, at work on Tuesday, my friend BOASt (that's Boobs On A Stick, but it's meant in the nicest way possible), complimented me on my ensemble. I made some mumbling comment about my cleavage and BOASt replied, "As my good friend (The Material Girl) once said, sometimes you just have to rack it!" I laughed out loud. It's true, though, sometimes you do. Keep in mind that I spent the first 28 years of my life without much rack to speak of (I was a modest 34B until becoming pregnant with LooLoo). I have spent the last 7 years (due to pregnancy, nursing and excess adipose tissue) as a 36C or D. I realize that a 36C is not exactly porn-star sized, but it's definitely cleavage-inducing, which is still a foreign concept to me. I've never been one to go without a bra, but now I can't. And, there is a definite difference depending on the bra I wear, as push-ups now actually have something to push-up and they do it with a vengence. It can actually get a little bit horrifying.<br /><br />Continued from two weeks ago:<br />Tuesday - red v-neck ribbed sweater, black pants, black pointy-toed stilettos<br />Wednesday & Thursday - nothing worth writing home about - probably a long-sleeved tee, definitely jeans and fUggs<br /><br />Last week:<br />Monday - light blue camisole and long-sleeved wrap shirt, khaki cords, silver hoops, silver and shades of blue necklace, brown high-heeled boots<br />Tuesday - nude camisole with gold flecks, red wrap shirt, oatmeal cardigan, black skinny jeans, black belt with gold buckle, shades of red bead necklace, garnet studs, black pointy-toed stilettos<br />Wednesday - teal old-lady tracksuit, as I was home sick<br />Thursday - some sort of long-sleeved shirt, dark-rinse jeans (Old Navy), brown belt, brown suede fUggsThe Material Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792962859728292606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104310377743700201.post-4604585338052880062007-12-03T18:37:00.000-08:002008-12-10T19:22:22.687-08:00The Essential LooLoo and BooBoo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXbMW8P0IV7ixVPFrDzfAe9fi8Tg-lms0VyojAGYMapS4lLN0RKGkU7gpAixFvqwdFXAHfpvb09thZSiKhI7WQxOv3_QhHq_s67pXRCR30aUCWvXA4_iXK2cfvYy8lFe1b-hXIdJ_bDV7/s1600-r/Loo+and+Boo+at+the+cabin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Pw72IJ69_2piv-IiAeyTi6YIpV0PnAknXqOvoUJwMuDN2h6ET_DfKL2ZivBOHjT0ud1tDu5-p3RlHj6FJy6sDubtFjqCrRDmHvPWb_EOPYxZFfQ8eoxi58sN43cIEIr38LeoTANHptcC/s320/Loo+and+Boo+at+the+cabin.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5139941798825428114" /></a><br /><br />This is one of my favorite pics of LooLoo and BooBoo. It's just so them. LooLoo is running gazelle-like, hair flying in the wind, and BooBoo is stopping to explore (and probably get into something messy).The Material Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792962859728292606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104310377743700201.post-79614602026559481972007-12-03T18:25:00.001-08:002007-12-03T18:37:02.157-08:00The Best-Laid Plans of Mice and MomsUnfortunately, I tend to be an all-or-nothing person. Therefore, when I am good (about blogging) I am very, very good and when I am bad (about blogging) I am horrid. I have the best intentions, but life just seems to happen around me sometimes.<br /><br />Last week's wardrobe choices were tragic. I actually wore athletic-type shoes every day of the week. And I wore warm-up pants twice. (I have to admit that my new maroon warm-up pants are about the most comfortable pants I have ever worn and I want them in every color. Mossimo from Target for only $17.99, but I got mine on sale for $12.99. Fabulous!) We have training at work this week, so I decided to start off my Monday looking relatively decent. I gotta tell you, though, high heeled boots and large snowbanks are not a fun combination. I really need to wear practical shoes outside and change inside, but I never do.<br /><br />Monday - pink v-neck tee and fleece hoodie, dark pink warm-up pants and pink mary jane sneaks.<br />Tuesday - beats the crap out of me, but it wasn't great.<br />Wednesday - black cashmere sweater, dark rinse jeans, black kicks.<br />Thursday - brown long-sleeved tee, oatmeal cardigan sweater, maroon fleecy warm-up pants, olive Skechers.<br /><br />Today (Monday) - red cowel neck 3/4 sleeve sweater, black tulip hem corduroy skirt, black tights, tall black boots with silver buckles, silver hoops.The Material Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792962859728292606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104310377743700201.post-72910090872207840432007-11-20T16:58:00.000-08:002007-11-20T17:25:32.987-08:00The Toothless WonderLooLoo has lost her very first tooth! The Tooth Fairy visited and utilized the cute Tooth Pillow the Schma (my Mom) created for her. (LooLoo is a notoriously light sleeper, so we needed something that could hang on her doorknob rather than something that would go under her pillow.) My potatoes are getting so grown up!<br /><br />We had a heatless weekend (our furnace has issues annually), but the sad thing was that I didn't even realize it until late Sunday morning and the temperature in the house was down to 55 degrees. Yes, I noticed it seemed cooler than usual Friday night, but I keep the house pretty cold anyway, so there you have it. The wonderful furnace-fixer was at our house shortly after 8am Monday and the temperature was creeping up within no time. I do have to admit, though, that having been cold for the entire weekend significantly impacted my choice of clothing Monday.<br /><br />Monday - big, heavy Irish wool sweater, brown long-sleeved t-shirt, mid-rinse denim jeans (Steve & Barry's), gold cuff earrings and olive Skechers<br />Tuesday - coral 3/4 sleeved tunic, light yellow ribbed tank, khaki bootcut cords, heathered oatmeal wrap, larger gold hoops and tortoise-shell patent peep toe flats with bow (brand new and super-cute - clearance at Target)The Material Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792962859728292606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104310377743700201.post-14787262526752575702007-11-15T19:53:00.000-08:002007-11-15T20:20:28.746-08:00That Can't Be My Daughter!This is a series of random thoughts, so read with caution. (Since this is my blog, it's all about me and I know you all care about my every synapse-firing, so I will subject you to my ramblings!)<br /><br />I had BooBoo's first parent-teacher conference today. All is well at school, but (WARNING: this will come as a shock to anyone who knows BooBoo at all!) her teacher commented about how quiet BooBoo is three separate times on her evaluation. What?!? Trust me, "quiet" is not a word I would EVER use to describe BooBoo - I spend most of my day telling her to use her indoor voice and settle down. It's just so weird to see your child through someone else's eyes, especially in a non-familiar situation. Everything else her teacher said matched up with the BooBoo I know, but quiet just doesn't. Energizer Bunny? Yes. Flexible? Yes. Social? Yes. Quiet? No. Interesting, eh?<br /><br />I have double ear infections and can't hear a thing except for the ringing in my ears and any other sounds in my head. I've hardly eaten for two days now because I can't stand the sound of my own chewing, not that it's impacted my waistline any. I kept having to have everyone repeat things at work tonight, so they finally started shouting out their yeses and nos at our meeting tonight. Sigh.<br /><br />I have finished The Cheap Chick's Christmas presents. Yay me! I'm ready to start on my next project.<br /><br />I wore my jeans tucked into my boots yesterday. I always feel a little costume-y when I do that, but I am trying to take more clothing risks and expand my horizons, so I did it anyway. I got lots of compliments, so I guess it worked, but it was challenging for me. Isn't it interesting how something so little can seem so big?<br /> <br />Sah-wa and I were talking about celebrity look-alikes at work tonight. I commented that as long as no one said my celeb-twin was Jabba the Hutt, I'd be fine. Sah-wa then asked who Jabba the Hutt was. Oh, these kids today...they think Jar-Jar Binks belongs in "Star Wars"! (Actually, Sah-wa has never seen any of the "Star Wars" movies at all, but that is neither here nor there. How can you not have seen "Star Wars" or "The Empire Strikes Back" or even "Return of the Jedi"?)<br /><br />Random enough for you?<br /><br />Wednesday - teal long-sleeved tee, oatmeal long cardigan, multi-colored floral embroidered brown leather belt over cardigan, mid-rinse straight-leg jeans, gold cuff earrings and tall brown flat boots with jeans tucked in <br />Thursday - lemon yellow ribbed tank, black v-neck empire 3/4 sleeve tunic, dark rinse straight-leg jeans, gold cuff earrings, green amethyst necklace, lime green and cold cashmere scarf and black kicksThe Material Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792962859728292606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104310377743700201.post-39207857904852744152007-11-14T06:13:00.000-08:002007-11-14T06:17:16.515-08:00Holy Crap!I can't believe I forgot to post last night. Aargh.<br /><br />Tuesday - dark bootcut jeans (Levi's), pink v-neck tee, brown, white & darker pink (NOT matching pink) plaid fitted shirt, gold cuff earrings, brown high-heeled boots and a very addled brainThe Material Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792962859728292606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104310377743700201.post-61880858350483389282007-11-12T21:07:00.000-08:002007-11-12T21:16:18.967-08:00It's a Matchy-Matchy WorldI struggle with the matchy-matchy bug. It's all I can do not to obsessively match everything - it's a coup if I can avoid matching my lipstick and eye shadow to what I'm wearing. The Cheap Chick and I call it Lucky-fying our outfits when we throw something unexpected into the mix - after the infinite wisdom and mixing abilities of the staff at Lucky magazine (my fashion go-to of choice). There was a time when my bra and underwear were sure to match my outfit, but those days are long gone (especially since my bras are much less decorative than they once were). Here's to taking chances and trying the unexpected!<br /><br />Monday - dark (Mossimo) jeans, Gap Inspi(red) v-neck tee, camel corduroy blazer, gold cuff earrings, shades of red beaded necklace, red peep-toe platform pumpsThe Material Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792962859728292606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104310377743700201.post-57521898495931953202007-11-11T17:36:00.000-08:002007-11-11T18:33:34.860-08:00Is it Possible?Here are some cold medicine-fueled ramblings from The Material Girl...<br />Is it possible to watch Extreme Makeover Home Edition without tearing up (or sobbing, depending on the show)? I've never managed it, but there may be someone out there who can.<br />Is it possible to have enough clothes? Hell no!<br />Is it possible to have too many pairs of shoes? See above.<br />Is it possible to go a day without LooLoo and BooBoo fighting? I don't think it's happened since they both started talking - probably not even before then since they could have territory battles without exchanging a word. One day they may stop hanging out together, in which case I will lament how they used to spend all their time together (and forget that much of it involved fighting over every little thing).<br />Is it possible for my house to be any messier than it is today? Probably, but I'd rather not go there.<br />Is it possible to care less about how messy my house is today? Probably not.<br />Is it possible for 90% of Hollywood starlets to weigh any less than they do? Not if they want to remain breathing. Seriously, eat a fricking sandwich or twelve!<br />Is it possible for me to want a Diet Coke any more than I do right now? Not unless I were totally hungover, which I am not.The Material Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792962859728292606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104310377743700201.post-85597539999469656342007-11-10T21:36:00.000-08:002007-11-10T21:46:12.307-08:00Body Image NightmaresAccess Hollywood has made November its Body Image Month and I'm starting to panic. I have two daughters, both of whom are beautiful and perfect in every way. However, they are very different - LooLoo is extremely petite at only 33.5lbs, while BooBoo is small but a bit closer to average at 32.5lbs (keep in mind that they are two years apart). I know what body image does to girls and women - I've suffered and tortured myself along with most of my gender. I've hated my body, lamented my curves, despised my height - you know the drill. And you know what? I wasn't much happier with my body when I weighed fifty pounds less than I do now. Sure, I wish parts were tighter than they are now and I would like substantially less adipose tissue than I have currently, but I've also been too thin in the past and wouldn't care to go back there (I get way too chinny and my butt looks proportionately even larger, but, see, there I go again). I guess all we can do is to try to be realistic about ourselves and others and teach our children to honor their bodies as they are. It's going to be a long road ahead, isn't it?The Material Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792962859728292606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104310377743700201.post-34620173691542359012007-11-09T19:42:00.000-08:002007-11-09T20:11:18.433-08:00Blast from the PastI've known Courtney (who's posted on my blog a few times) since 6th grade (that would be 1983 for those of you who don't know how old The Material Girl is). So this is an ode to Middle School fashion (mine, that is).<br /><br />Sixth grade was characterized by Lee Riders - you know, the pleated, tapered Lees. I had jeans and light gray cords. I also loved my gray and pink Nikes, polo shirts, sweaters and Ocean Pacific tops. My hair was feathered and my glasses were large.<br /><br />Seventh grade saw me venturing more into dressy wear, with pleated, tapered dress pants, skirts (super-long or short, nothing in between) and loafers. I was still drawn to light gray, pinks, purples and the like. My hair was shorter, but still pretty feathered and my glasses were pure preppy. This was the year of Matthew Mallard and Boundary Waters (Dayton's specials).<br /><br />Eighth grade had me branching out a little more. Colors became brighter, styles a little edgier (this was the Madonna era, you know), bracelets were chunky, earrings were large and necklaces were beaded. My hair was short with a capital S and I started experimenting with color and perms. Experimentation was the key to my style in eighth grade - footless tights, skimmer flats in every color, oversized shirts, shaker sweaters with button-down shirts and ties. My family didn't have the money for the trendy brands, so I put my stamp on the trends and avoided the trauma. But, this was the year I discovered The Gap, which was heaven for my preppy-self. This was the year I officially moved into juniors/misses and out of all girls' sizes. Courtney and I used to spend time at the Mall, searching for the next great thing at Foxmoor, Braun's, Dayton's and the like. She had more of the cool brands than I did, but we did have a lot of the same things.<br /><br />Here's to the past staying in the past (and off of my ass)! I'll forever be thankful for straight leg or bootcut jeans with a little stretch. I'm also pleased that I have moved on from wearing only XL shirts and now embrace the fitted shirt (not tight, but fitted). Heels are a helluva lot higher and I no longer match my socks obsessively to my shirts.The Material Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792962859728292606noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104310377743700201.post-91105564003309424632007-11-08T18:31:00.001-08:002007-11-08T18:41:54.657-08:00Free at Last!I'm free at last! I am back at work tonight - albeit not feeling well at all, but I'm out of the house in big girl clothes. The Blonde One took Friday off so that his miserable wife (that'd be me) can get some sleep and stop being so damned cranky. Isn't he a sweetie? LooLoo went back to school today, but BooBoo stayed home. Of course, the Energizer Bunny herself was bouncing off the walls by 10 am, but what're you gonna do?<br /><br />I've got the winter clothes itch something awful. It's probably because I'm sick, but all I want to do is bundle up in warm sweaters and soft scarves - and gloves and hats and fuzzy slippers...I must contain myself. I'm hoping I can get my fix through knitting using some fuzzy yarns, otherwise I may just go crazy the next time I step in a store. I need to get my leather coat into the cleaners so I can wear it without being worried about funk. Ever since I realized I've had it for six years and never had it cleaned, I'm convinced it stinks and that I'm funkifying everything around me when I wear it. (I do realize I'm neurotic, it's okay). Anyhoo, it might help my winter clothes-mainia to actually wear my winter jacket...and scarf and gloves and hat. You know the drill.<br /><br />Thursday - v-neck shell with teal & gray geometric print (yes, it is a print and it's cuter than it sounds), peacock blue blazer, charcoal pants, silver necklace & hoops and black stilettosThe Material Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792962859728292606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104310377743700201.post-52536318895120973172007-11-07T19:45:00.000-08:002007-11-07T19:52:17.373-08:00Ugh Parte TresI actually left the house today, but it wasn't a pretty sight. LooLoo didn't go to school again - she's going tomorrow, no question. BooBoo went to school, since she was her usual Energizer Bunny-like self. I am home from work for the third night in a row and I am really ready to put on Big Girl Clothes and get out of my Mommy garb (of course, it'd be nice to not feel like I'm swallowing razor blades in the process, but we can't have everything now, can we?).<br /><br />This plague upon our house be damned! <br /><br />Wednesday - The Blonde One's red warm-up pants, white t-shirt, black hoodie, red baseball cap, running shoesThe Material Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792962859728292606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104310377743700201.post-82216449023363723412007-11-06T19:43:00.000-08:002007-11-06T19:48:56.802-08:00Ugh Parte DosWe are still sick at The Material House. LooLoo got a steroid shot yesterday, which improved her cough, but not her temperment. BooBoo just woke up coughing and crying and unceremoniously puked on me (she's kind of a puker - I think she just coughed the puke right out). I just changed myself out of yesterday's clothes - right into pajamas, mind you. Please, God, please, make the croup hell go away!The Material Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792962859728292606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104310377743700201.post-75489728007671765142007-11-05T20:38:00.000-08:002007-11-05T20:40:23.349-08:00Ugh.I am sick. LooLoo and BooBoo are sick. I even called in to work today. This is all you're getting out of me.<br /><br />Monday - black t-shirt, red sweatshirt, black yoga pants, black kicks, no make-up and a pallid complexionThe Material Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792962859728292606noreply@blogger.com0